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
Joy
Eat
God
Awe
Elf
Box
Ice
Got
Bow
Red
Tag
Ivy
Kin
Eve
the night before Christmas
Pew
Cap
Nod
Fun
Ask
Pie
Fly
Toy
Inn
Ate
Lap
Nob
a traditional dried fruit treat
Nap
Ham
New
Fir
type of tree
Fig
Log
as in “yule log”
Sap
as in tree sap
Four-Letter Christmas Words
Cozy
Tree
Bell
Holy
Gift
King
Host
Kiss
under the mistletoe
Snow
Sing
Baby
Book
Star
Gold
Care
Bows
Hung
Home
Pray
Game
Call
Busy
Love
Lord
Mass
Mary
Magi
the three kings
Calm
Card
Gave
Born
Hark
Good
Help
Hang
Yule
Deer
Wish
See more options in our complete list of four-letter Christmas words.
Five-Letter Christmas Words
Peace
Jolly
Jesus
Music
Serve
Merry
Grace
Share
Boots
Bells
Cards
Birth
Candy
Faith
Honor
Elves
Green
Aroma
Carol
Holly
Santa
Unity
Feast
Praise
Myrrh
Sales
Hymns
Six-Letter Christmas Words
Advent
Grinch
Sleigh
Nutmeg
Winter
Prayer
Frosty
Joseph
Eggnog
Wreath
Giving
Angels
Topper
a decoration placed at the top of the Christmas tree
Baking
Gloves
Gather
Lights
Sacred
Tinsel
Infant
Unwrap
Belief
Buying
Wishes
Events
Parade
Season
Carols
Seven-Letter Christmas Words
Rooftop
Blitzen
Prancer
Goodies
Festive
Worship
Icicles
Scrooge
Garland
Mittens
Newborn
Antlers
Rejoice
Scarves
Rituals
Magical
Rudolph
Believe
Cookies
Sparkle
Helping
Caroler
Embrace
Blessed
Toyland
Angelic
Excited
Deliver
Candles
Glitter
Tidings
Eight-Letter Christmas Words
Nativity
Snowfall
Exchange
Stuffing
Dressing
Memories
Decorate
Occasion
Laughter
Wrapping
Blessing
Packages
Assemble
Greenery
Kindness
Shepherd
Trinkets
Folklore
December
Stocking
Libation
holiday drinks
Heavenly
Reunions
Carolers
Caroling
Reindeer
Nine-Letter Christmas Words
Snowflake
Stockings
Bethlehem
Blessings
Mistletoe
Decorated
Innocence
Fireplace
Ornaments
Reverence
Fruitcake
Gratitude
Snowbound
Nostalgia
Partridge
Incarnate
Mincemeat
Tradition
Trimmings
Greetings
Unselfish
Ten-Letter Christmas Words
Nutcracker
Peppermint
Poinsettia
Observance
Luminosity
Christmas lights
Meaningful
Jubilation
Triumphant
Neighborly
Sentimental
Reflection
Snowflakes
Tannenbaum
fir Christmas tree
Illuminate
Fellowship
Indulgence
Eleven-Letter Christmas Words
Preparation
Decorations
Invitations
Sleighbells
Gingerbread
Nutcrackers
Poinsettias
Candlelight
Cranberries
often eaten during the holiday season
Tannenbaume
plural form of the German term for Christmas trees
Reciprocity
Hospitality
Ceremonious
a grand occasion
Twelve-Letter Christmas Words
Bedazzlement
feeling impressed by the beauty of the lights and decorations
Anticipation
excitement
Togetherness
spending time with loved ones
Illumination
brightness of the Christmas lights
Gingerbreads
sweet treats like cookies and cake made with ginger and honey or molasses
Celebrations
holiday parties
Reminiscence
reflecting on holiday memories
Frankincense
one of the gifts of the wise men
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).