Christmas is a beloved holiday that brings families and friends together in a festive spirit of joy, music, decorations, and gift-giving. But beyond the lights and carols, have you ever thought about how many Christmas vocabulary words you might encounter in an IELTS test?
Let’s explore the most essential English Christmas words that not only enrich your vocabulary but can also help you impress the IELTS examiner in Writing and Speaking tasks.
1. Essential Christmas Vocabulary in English
1.1. Christmas Holiday Vocabulary
Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Christmas | Christmas holiday | Christmas comes but once a year. |
Santa Claus | Father Christmas | Santa Claus is the personification of Christmas. |
Reindeer | Animal pulling Santa’s sleigh | Father Christmas travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. |
Sled / Sleigh | Snow vehicle | They traveled across the snow in a sleigh. |
Snowman | Man-shaped snow sculpture | Dani’s making a snowman. |
Elf | Santa’s little helper | He looked more elf than goblin. |
Carol | Christmas song | The Carol Album is a carol record with a difference. |
Church | Religious building | All are not saints that go to church. |
Mistletoe | Christmas plant | The mistletoe plant is a parasite on trees. |
Chimney | Fireplace tunnel | He believes Santa enters through the chimney. |
Snowflakes | Frozen ice crystals | Snowflakes were patting against the windowpane. |
Fireplace | Indoor heating | A welcoming fire was burning in the fireplace. |
1.2. Christmas Food Vocabulary
Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Turkey | Holiday poultry dish | Shall we have fish instead of turkey today? |
Gingerbread man | Shaped cookie | The Gingerbread Man was eaten by a fox. |
Candy cane | Striped sweet stick | Anybody out there know Candy Cane? |
Eggnog | Creamy festive drink | It’s a Christmas party with eggnog and cookies. |
Yule Log Cake | Log-shaped cake | I made a chocolate Yule log with red baubles. |
Apple cider | Hot apple drink | Thin it with a small amount of apple cider. |
Christmas ham | Holiday ham | Need tips on how to cook your Christmas ham? |
1.3. Christmas Decoration Vocabulary
Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Christmas card | Festive greeting | Clarence sent him a Christmas card every year. |
Christmas stocking | Decorative sock | The stocking bulged with goodies. |
Bauble | Tree ornament | The baubles you’re so fond of? |
Ribbon | Decorative string | She tied the gift with a ribbon. |
Fairy lights | String lights | Fairy lights add festive cheer. |
Ornament | Tree decoration | Ornaments were placed on the tree. |
Wreath | Circular garland | They twisted flowers into a wreath. |
Candle | Wax light | Half the candle had burnt away. |
2. Common Christmas Collocations and Phrases
Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
Family reunion | Coming together as a family |
To celebrate the day | To enjoy the holiday |
To capture the moment | To create memories |
Trim the tree | Decorate the Christmas tree |
Take the wishes of happiness | Share festive greetings |
Season of love and happiness | Time filled with joy |
Christmas comes but once a year | Enjoy the moment |
All my Christmases have come together | Unexpected happiness |
Eat, drink and be merry | Enjoy food and fun |
To raise a glass or two | Make a toast |
To tighten the bond | Strengthen relationships |
3. Christmas Idioms and Festive Expressions
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
Cut someone to ribbons | Strongly criticize someone |
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth | Be grateful for gifts |
The more the merrier | The more people, the better |
Like turkeys voting for Christmas | Accepting something bad |
White elephant | Unwanted gift |
Pigs in blankets | Sausages wrapped in bacon |
4. Popular Christmas Wishes and Greetings
4.1. Simple Christmas Greetings
Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Season’s greetings!
Wish you a Merry Christmas!
4.2. Heartfelt Christmas Messages
Wishing you a merry, warm, and happy Christmas with your loved ones.
May the New Year bring you new opportunities and joy.
Happy Holidays! May all your Christmas wishes come true.
There’s no better time than Christmas for friends and family to come together.
Wishing you a brilliant and joyful Christmas season.
May our love grow stronger through many Christmas seasons to come.
Expand Your Christmas Vocabulary with IDP
Now that you've learned over 100 common Christmas words and expressions, you’re better prepared for any holiday-themed IELTS Speaking or Writing task. These vocabulary words also help enhance your daily English conversations during the festive season.
At IDP, we offer flexible options for computer-delivered IELTS tests, free practice materials, and mock exams to help you feel confident and prepared. Book your test today and start mastering both grammar and vocabulary for a better IELTS score.
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