Christmas isn’t just a season of joy and giving; it’s also a rich source of colorful language. Idioms related to Christmas often capture the spirit, excitement, and even the stress of this festive time. Whether you’re looking to spice up your holiday conversations or simply want to explore some charming expressions, these 20 Christmas-related idioms are sure to add some sparkle to your festive vocabulary.
Idioms Related to Christmas
1. Trim the Tree
Meaning: Decorate the Christmas tree.
Example: We trim the tree on Christmas Eve.
2. Light up like a Christmas tree
Meaning: To look very bright or joyful.
Example: She lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw the presents.
3. The more the merrier
Meaning: Better with more people.
Example: Invite everyone; the more the merrier!
4. White Christmas
Meaning: A Christmas with snow on the ground.
Example: We’re dreaming of a white Christmas.
5. Christmas comes but once a year
Meaning: Enjoy the festive season while it lasts.
Example: Let’s splurge—Christmas comes but once a year.
6. Deck the halls
Meaning: Decorate the home for Christmas.
Example: This weekend we’ll deck the halls.
7. Christmas cheer
Meaning: The happiness that comes during Christmas time.
Example: Spread some Christmas cheer with cookies.
8. As busy as an elf
Meaning: Very busy.
Example: I’ve been as busy as an elf with all the shopping.
9. Good things come in small packages
Meaning: Small things can be valuable.
Example: Remember, good things come in small packages.
10. Like turkeys voting for Christmas
Meaning: Acting against one’s own interest.
Example: Working late on Christmas Eve is like turkeys voting for Christmas.
11. Jingle all the way
Meaning: To fully embrace the Christmas spirit.
Example: We’re going to jingle all the way to New Year’s!
12. Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle
Meaning: Don’t get stressed out.
Example: Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle over dinner.
13. Yule be sorry
Meaning: A pun warning someone they might regret something.
Example: Eat too many sweets, and yule be sorry.
14. Ghost of Christmas past
Meaning: Referencing past events during Christmas.
Example: Every Christmas, the ghost of Christmas past visits him.
15. Ring in the New Year
Meaning: Celebrate the beginning of the New Year.
Example: We’ll ring in the New Year with a bang.
16. Santa’s little helper
Meaning: Someone who helps with Christmas preparations.
Example: My son is Santa’s little helper this year.
17. Nutcracker suite
Meaning: Indicative of Christmas music or ballet performances.
Example: We watched the Nutcracker suite last night.
18. On the naughty list
Meaning: Behaving badly.
Example: Stop that mischief, or you’ll be on the naughty list.
19. Wrap up warm
Meaning: Dress warmly for the cold.
Example: Wrap up warm; it’s snowy outside.
20. Cold turkey
Meaning: Stopping something abruptly; also a literal reference in Christmas meals.
Example: He quit smoking cold turkey.
