Christmas proper noun The annual Christian holiday on December 25 celebrating the birth of Jesus, widely observed with gift-giving and family gatherings. We decorated the tree together every year on the first weekend of December before Christmas. + wreath noun A ring of flowers, leaves, or other material, often hung as a decoration or laid as a tribute. They hung a festive wreath made of pine branches on the front door. + ornament noun An object or decorative detail added to something to make it more attractive. She hung a glass ornament shaped like a snowflake near the top of the tree. + tinsel noun Thin, shiny strips of metallic material used as decoration, especially on a Christmas tree. They draped silver tinsel over every branch of the tree. + stocking noun A close-fitting garment made of thin, often knitted fabric that covers the foot and leg. She pulled on a pair of silk stockings before slipping into her evening shoes. + mistletoe noun A parasitic evergreen plant with white berries, traditionally hung indoors as a Christmas decoration. They hung mistletoe above the doorway before the holiday party began. + carol noun A traditional song sung especially at Christmas, often celebrating joy and the holiday. Children went door to door singing a carol for their neighbors. + sleigh noun A vehicle mounted on runners, typically pulled by horses or reindeer, used for travel over snow. In the old story, Santa Claus rides a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. + reindeer noun A large deer with branching antlers that lives in cold northern regions and is often domesticated. Herds of reindeer migrate across the Arctic tundra in search of food. + snowman noun A figure resembling a person, made by stacking and shaping balls of packed snow. The kids built a snowman in the front yard and gave it a carrot nose. + chimney noun A vertical structure on a building that carries smoke and gases away from a fire or furnace. Smoke curled steadily from the cottage chimney on the cold winter evening. + gingerbread noun A firm, spiced cake or cookie flavored with ginger and often molasses or honey. We decorated gingerbread cookies with icing and candy buttons before the holiday party. + eggnog noun A rich, sweetened drink made from milk, cream, and beaten eggs, often flavored with nutmeg. We served warm eggnog with a dusting of nutmeg at our holiday party. + garland noun A decorative wreath of flowers, leaves, or other material worn or hung as an ornament. Dancers wore garlands of fresh flowers around their necks during the festival. + candy cane noun A hard, striped stick of peppermint candy shaped like a cane, associated with Christmas. She hung a red and white candy cane on the tree's lowest branch. + nativity noun The birth of a person, especially, when capitalized, the birth of Jesus Christ as told in the Bible. The children performed a nativity play with a manger, shepherds, and three kings. + elf noun A small, mythical humanlike being with magical powers, often depicted in folklore and fantasy stories. In the story, an elf secretly repaired the shoemaker's shoes every single night. + present noun A gift given to someone, typically to mark an occasion such as a birthday or holiday. He wrapped the present carefully before hiding it in the closet. + wrapping paper noun Decorative paper used to cover gifts before they are given. She spent the evening cutting wrapping paper to fit each of the birthday presents. + fireplace noun An open recess in a wall, typically built of brick or stone, in which a fire can be lit for heating a room. The family gathered around the fireplace to warm up after playing in the snow. + holly noun An evergreen shrub or small tree with spiny, glossy leaves and bright red berries. They decorated the mantel with sprigs of holly for the holidays. + nutcracker noun A tool used to crack open the hard shells of nuts. He used the nutcracker to open a bowl of walnuts for the pie. + poinsettia noun A plant with large, bright red or white leaf-like bracts, commonly used as a winter holiday decoration. A large poinsettia sat on the mantel throughout the holiday season. + festive adjective Relating to or suitable for a celebration, and marked by a joyful, cheerful atmosphere. The town square looked festive with twinkling lights and garlands for the holiday season. + celebration noun An event or activity held to mark a special occasion with enjoyment. The whole neighborhood joined the celebration for the town's centennial. + tradition noun A long-established custom or belief passed down within a family, group, or culture. Baking bread together every Sunday has become a tradition in our family. + feast noun A large, elaborate meal, often prepared to celebrate a special occasion. The family gathered for a holiday feast with turkey, stuffing, and pie. + decoration noun An object or design added to something to make it more attractive. We hung colorful decorations around the classroom for the holiday celebration. + greeting card noun A decorated card sent to express good wishes, congratulations, or sympathy on a particular occasion. She mailed a birthday greeting card to her cousin overseas. + snowflake noun A single, delicate ice crystal that falls as part of snow, typically shaped like a six-pointed pattern. Each snowflake landing on her mitten had a unique, intricate pattern. +