A simple three-letter word like elf or nine-letter word like Bethlehem can immediately bring to mind the sights, sounds, and feelings of Christmas.
Even in the summer, single words have the power to evoke special memories, especially when it comes to yearly holidays.
Below, we have compiled a list of words that come to mind at Christmas (sorted by the number of letters). Scroll past the list for a Christmas-related activity!
Three-Letter Christmas Words
Eat
God
Joy
Ivy
Elf
Got
Red
Ice
Bow
Nod
Pew
Cap
Fun
Eve
the night before Christmas
Pie
Kin
Fly
Tag
Toy
Ate
Box
Lap
Ask
Awe
Inn
Nap
New
Fig
Ham
Fir
type of tree
Log
as in “yule log”
Nob
a traditional dried fruit treat
Sap
as in tree sap
Four-Letter Christmas Words
Kiss
under the mistletoe
Bell
Gift
Holy
Tree
King
Host
Baby
Sing
Book
Star
Game
Gold
Care
Bows
Cozy
Hung
Home
Pray
Snow
Call
Busy
Love
Mass
Magi
the three kings
Lord
Calm
Card
Gave
Born
Hark
Good
Help
Hang
Yule
Deer
Wish
Mary
See more options in our complete list of four-letter Christmas words.
Five-Letter Christmas Words
Peace
Jolly
Music
Serve
Jesus
Merry
Grace
Share
Bells
Boots
Cards
Birth
Faith
Honor
Candy
Elves
Green
Aroma
Carol
Unity
Holly
Myrrh
Sales
Praise
Feast
Santa
Hymns
Six-Letter Christmas Words
Advent
Prayer
Grinch
Nutmeg
Winter
Sleigh
Eggnog
Giving
Angels
Wreath
Baking
Gloves
Topper
a decoration placed at the top of the Christmas tree
Gather
Sacred
Infant
Unwrap
Belief
Lights
Tinsel
Buying
Joseph
Season
Parade
Events
Carols
Frosty
Wishes
Seven-Letter Christmas Words
Rooftop
Festive
Goodies
Scrooge
Scarves
Blitzen
Garland
Mittens
Newborn
Prancer
Worship
Antlers
Icicles
Rituals
Magical
Rudolph
Believe
Cookies
Rejoice
Sparkle
Helping
Caroler
Toyland
Blessed
Embrace
Angelic
Excited
Deliver
Candles
Glitter
Tidings
Eight-Letter Christmas Words
Nativity
Snowfall
Exchange
Stuffing
Dressing
Memories
Decorate
Occasion
Laughter
Wrapping
Blessing
Assemble
Greenery
Kindness
Shepherd
Trinkets
Folklore
Packages
December
Stocking
Libation
holiday drinks
Heavenly
Reunions
Carolers
Caroling
Reindeer
Nine-Letter Christmas Words
Snowflake
Bethlehem
Mistletoe
Blessings
Innocence
Fireplace
Reverence
Ornaments
Fruitcake
Decorated
Nostalgia
Stockings
Gratitude
Partridge
Snowbound
Incarnate
Mincemeat
Trimmings
Tradition
Greetings
Unselfish
Ten-Letter Christmas Words
Nutcracker
Peppermint
Poinsettia
Observance
Luminosity
Christmas lights
Meaningful
Jubilation
Triumphant
Snowflakes
Neighborly
Sentimental
Indulgence
Tannenbaum
fir Christmas tree
Illuminate
Fellowship
Reflection
Eleven-Letter Christmas Words
Preparation
Decorations
Invitations
Sleighbells
Reciprocity
Gingerbread
Hospitality
For more Christmas words and phrases, see our alphabetical list of more than 400 Christmas-related terms.
Activity: Exploring Christmas Folklore and Traditions
We’re all familiar with the basic story of Santa Claus, but there is a lot of other folklore related to Christmas worldwide.
For a fun activity other than singing carols and decking the halls, explore international Christmas folklore!
This activity works best with a group of family or friends. Have each person choose a country that celebrates Christmas, such as Mexico, Germany, Romania, Iceland, or Malta. Look into whether that country has any Christmas-related folklore or legends.
You can also look into that country’s Christmas traditions, such as the types of festivals it holds (if any), how families decorate their homes, and what food is traditionally served at Christmas.
No one wants to do homework for the holiday season, so you don’t have to research rigorously. A quick web search or Wikipedia browse will bring you plenty of information about worldwide Christmas traditions.
Share your findings with the group, or for an added interactive element, bring one of that country’s traditions to life!
You can make one of the typical Christmas dishes from the country you choose, turn off the lights and share the spooky story of a Christmas monster, or follow a unique gift exchange tradition like Iceland’s Jolabokaflod (a Christmas book exchange).