24 Christmas idioms and expressions

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Unwrap the magic of Christmas idioms

The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace the magic of language. In this blog we give 24 Christmas idioms and expressions to help you sound more fluent and confident during the most wonderful time of the year.

From capturing the joy of giving and celebrating, to describing holiday grumpiness, these expressions will brighten your English skills like twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. Let’s unwrap some holiday language fun together!

So, why not give yourself a little time to develop your English vocabulary with these colourful idioms and expressions for the festive season?

in the holiday spirit

Meaning
to feel joyful and excited about the holiday season.

Example
Seeing decorations in the town and hearing Christmas music on the radio always puts me in the holiday spirit (or in the Christmas spirit).

Christmas comes but once a year

Meaning
a reminder to enjoy the holiday season as it’s a rare opportunity.

Example
Christmas comes but once a year, so I try to forget about work and enjoy every moment with friends and family.

Tis the season (to be jolly)

Meaning
refers to the Christmas season and encourages festive cheer. (Tis = It’s)

Example
Tis the season to be jolly, so let’s put on some Christmas music and start decorating the tree!

The more, the merrier

Meaning
when more people are involved, the better it will be.

Example
We’ve invited family and close friends for our pre-Christmas party. The more, the merrier!

get into the festive mood

Meaning
to start feeling cheerful and ready for holiday celebrations.

Example
Hearing Christmas music on the radio and watching Christmas adverts on television always helps me get into the festive mood.

Scrooge

Meaning
someone who dislikes Christmas or is grumpy during the holidays (from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens).

Example
Don’t be such a Scrooge – come to the party and have fun!

Bah, humbug

Meaning
used to express a dislike for Christmas or the festive season (and made popular by Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.)

Example
She tried to get him to watch a holiday movie, but he groaned, ‘Bah, humbug!‘ I don’t have time for that nonsense.

Grinch

Meaning
a person who is mean-spirited or tries to ruin Christmas joy (inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss).

Example
Don’t be a Grinch – help us hang up the Christmas lights!

Santa’s little helper

Meaning
someone who assists with Christmas preparations.

Example
My cousin helped so much with our Christmas shopping and decorating our house this year. She’s definitely Santa’s little helper!

put up the lights

Meaning
to hang or install Christmas lights as part of holiday decorations.

Example
It’s tradition in our family to put up the lights at the start of December.

deck the halls

Meaning
to decorate a place for Christmas.

Example
I love this time of year. Let’s deck the halls and make this place feel magical.

hang the stockings

Meaning
to hang Christmas stockings as part of the holiday traditions.

(Stockings are large, sock-shaped decorations which are often filled on Christmas Eve with small gifts, candy, and treats.)

Example
The kids were excited to hang their stockings by the fireplace.

wrap up

Meaning
to cover gifts with decorative paper, ribbons or other materials.

Example
She loves wrapping up Christmas gifts with glittery paper and fancy bows – it’s her favorite holiday tradition.

the finishing touches

Meaning
refers to the final, small details to complete something and make it perfect.

Example
We’re putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree by adding the star on top.

come baring gifts

Meaning
to arrive with presents or gifts for someone.

Example
She came to the party bearing gifts for all the children.

good things come in small packages

Meaning
a gift doesn’t need to be big to be valuable or special.

Example
The best gift I’ve ever received was a small book of handwritten recipes from my grandmother. Good things come in small packages.

it’s the thought that counts

Meaning
refers to the kind intentions that a person had when they chose a present (even if it’s not perfect or something that you like!).

Example
This handmade card means so much to me. After all, it’s the thought that counts.

a gift that keeps on giving

Meaning
a gift that continues to provide enjoyment or benefits over time.

Example
I got a subscription to guitar lessons for Christmas and I can learn a little every day. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving!

a token of appreciation

Meaning
a small gift given to express gratitude.

Example
We gave our teacher a box of delicious chocolates as a token of appreciation for all her hard work.

don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

Meaning
don’t be ungrateful for or criticise a gift, even if it’s not perfect or what you want.

Example
The concert tickets that you got for Christmas may not be the best seats in the theatre, but don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

in high spirits

Meaning
feeling happy and cheerful, especially during celebrations.

Example
Everyone was in high spirits as they gathered around the Christmas tree to sing carols.

be there with bells on

Meaning
to eagerly attend and be enthusiastic.

Example
Are you coming to the Christmas party? Of course, I’ll be there with bells on!

like a kid in a candy store

Meaning
to be excited and happy, often about gifts or decorations.

Example
He was like a kid in a candy store when he saw all the Christmas presents under the tree.

light up like a Christmas tree

Meaning
to suddenly appear very happy or excited.

Example
Her face lit up like a Christmas tree when she opened the surprise gift.

Try using Christmas idioms and expressions

These English idioms and expressions are traditional and creative, just like the Christmas season. Whether you’re chatting with international friends, writing Christmas cards, or enjoying festive movies, these phrases will help you connect with the spirit of the Christmas.

Gift yourself the joy of learning by exploring new English skills and we’re happy to offer more English idioms as part of our free vocabulary lessons. Let this Christmas be as bright as your language journey.

A gift that keeps on giving – enquire now about our English course packages and treat yourself or a loved one.

Season’s greetings from EnglishRadar!