Holiday Words & Phrases for December

Whether you’re writing holiday cards, playing word games, or teaching seasonal vocabulary, a festive word list captures the spirit of December. From “Advent” to “Yule,” here’s a complete guide to holiday words and phrases for the season—grouped by themes for easy browsing.

Holiday words list

December is a month of celebration around the world, with holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, and the Winter Solstice—each with its own traditions and festive vocabulary. From cheerful greetings and cozy decorations to seasonal foods and expressions, these words encapsulate the warmth, color, and joy of the holidays.

Greetings and well wishes for the holidays

Holiday greetings are among the most recognizable expressions of the season. They convey warmth, kindness, and celebration—whether in a card, a conversation, or a classroom activity.

Holiday-specific greetings

These greetings directly reference particular holidays and their traditions.

• Merry Christmas!
• Happy Hanukkah!
• Joyous Kwanzaa!
• Happy Yule!
• Blessed Winter Solstice!

Non-Religious and inclusive greetings

Perfect for wishing well during the season without focusing on specific religious holidays.

• Happy holidays!
• Season’s greetings!
• Warm winter wishes!
• Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season!
• Wishing you a bright and Happy New Year!
• Cheers to the season!
• Holiday blessings!
• Wishing you peace, love, and light!

Playful and casual greetings

Lighthearted and informal phrases ideal for friends, family, or festive occasions.

• Deck the halls!
• ‘Tis the season!
• Ho ho ho!
• Jingle all the way!
• May your days be merry and bright!

Holiday decorations and symbols

Holiday decorations and symbols instantly set the mood for the season. They represent joy, light, and togetherness, appearing in homes, city streets, and stories alike.

Examples of holiday decorations and symbols:

• Christmas tree—A decorated evergreen tree symbolizing the festive spirit of Christmas
• Wreath—A circular arrangement of leaves or flowers hung as a decoration, often on doors
• Ornament—Decorative items, such as balls or figurines, hung on Christmas trees to add color and charm
• Stocking—A large sock traditionally hung by the fireplace for Santa Claus to fill with small gifts
• Mistletoe—A green plant with white berries hung as a decoration, under which people are encouraged to share a kiss
• Holly—A plant with spiky green leaves and red berries, often used in Christmas décor
• Menorah—A nine-branched candelabrum lit during Hanukkah
• Dreidel—A spinning top used in a traditional Hanukkah game
• Kinara—A candleholder for seven candles used during Kwanzaa celebrations, representing its core principles
• Yule log—A large log traditionally burned during Yule or Christmas festivities, symbolizing warmth and light
• Nativity—A scene depicting the birth of Jesus, often displayed as a holiday decoration during Christmas
• Snowflake—A unique ice crystal symbolizing winter and the beauty of the season.
• Candle—A source of light that represents hope, faith, and remembrance during the holidays
• Star—A key Christmas symbol representing the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men
• Bell—A cheerful symbol of joy and celebration, often used in carols and decorations

Holiday foods and drinks

Holiday meals and treats bring warmth and tradition to December celebrations. While Christmas favorites like gingerbread and eggnog are widely known, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Yule each offer unique seasonal dishes that enrich the festive spirit.

Examples of holiday foods and drinks:

• Gingerbread cookies—Spiced cookies often shaped like people or houses, a classic Christmas treat
• Eggnog—A creamy, often alcoholic, spiced milk-based drink popular at Christmas gatherings
• Candy canes—Peppermint-flavored candy sticks shaped like a shepherd’s crook, symbolizing Christmas
• Roast turkey—A traditional main dish for many Christmas dinners.
• Latkes—Fried potato pancakes traditionally served during Hanukkah
• Sufganiyot—Jelly-filled doughnuts enjoyed during Hanukkah celebration.
• Kwanzaa feast (Karamu)—A communal meal featuring dishes like collard greens, black-eyed peas, and sweet potatoes
• Mulled wine—Warm spiced wine enjoyed in many European Christmas traditions
• Fruitcake—A dense cake filled with dried fruits and nuts, often associated with Christmas
• Hot chocolate—A comforting, warm drink enjoyed throughout the winter holidays
• Yule log cake (Bûche de Noël)—A chocolate cake shaped and decorated like a log, inspired by the traditional Yule log

Holiday figures and places

From beloved storybook characters to real or imaginary settings, holiday figures and places bring festive tales to life. They appear in songs, decorations, and traditions across cultures, shaping how we imagine the season.

Examples of holiday figures and places:

• Santa Claus—The jolly figure who delivers gifts on Christmas Eve
• Mrs. Claus—Santa’s partner, often depicted managing life at the North Pole
• Father Christmas—The traditional British version of Santa Claus, known for bringing gifts during Christmas
• The Three Wise Men (Magi)—Visitors who brought gifts to baby Jesus in the Nativity story
• Baby Jesus—The central figure in Nativity scenes, usually depicted as an infant lying in a cradle or manger
• Bethlehem—The town traditionally recognized as Jesus’s birthplace
• Elf on the shelf—A modern holiday tradition featuring a small elf doll that reports back to Santa
• Saint Nicholas—The 4th-century bishop whose generosity inspired the Santa Claus legend
• The North Pole—Symbolic home of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers
• Ebenezer Scrooge—The miserly character from Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, who learns the spirit of generosity
• The Grinch—The green, grouchy figure created by Dr. Seuss who tries to steal Christmas but has a change of heart
• Frosty the Snowman—A friendly snowman brought to life by a magical hat in a popular Christmas song and story
• Rudolph—The famous red-nosed reindeer who leads Santa’s sleigh through foggy nights with his glowing nose
• Krampus—A horned figure from Central European folklore who punishes misbehaving children during Christmas time
• Nutcracker—A decorative wooden figure often associated with Christmas, inspired by a famous ballet

Holiday phrases and idioms

Holiday phrases and idioms add color and warmth to seasonal conversations and writing. These expressions capture traditions, moods, and wordplays based on holiday themes—perfect for greeting cards, storytelling, or holiday games.

Examples of common holiday phrases and idioms:

• Santa’s little helper—Someone who assists with holiday tasks or gift preparations
• Naughty or nice—A playful judgment of behavior based on Santa’s list
• Deck the halls—To decorate festively, especially with greenery and lights
• ’Tis the season (to be jolly)—A reminder to embrace the holiday spirit
• Trim the tree—To decorate the Christmas tree
• Winter wonderland—Describes a snowy, festive setting
• Holiday spirit—The cheerful, generous feeling associated with the season
• Good tidings—Joyful news or wishes shared during the season
• Gift of giving—The joy or act of giving presents
• Christmas comes but once a year—A reminder to enjoy the festive season fully
• Ring in the New Year—To celebrate the start of the new calendar year
• A Christmas miracle—An improbable and wonderful even.
• Light up like a Christmas tree—To become very excited or visibly happy
• Be there with bells on—To arrive eagerly and dressed up, ready to celebrate
• Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle—A playful way to tell someone not to get stressed or upset

FAQs for the article Holiday words

What words rhyme with holiday?

Words that rhyme with holiday include:

• Yesterday
• Away
• Play
• Say
• Stay
• Way
• Display
• Everyday
• Sleigh

Whether you’re writing cards, songs, or playing word games, QuillBot’s AI Chat can help you find more rhymes and holiday-themed phrases.

What are some holiday words that start with “T”?

Holiday words that start with “T” include “tree,” “tinsel,” “turkey,” “toy,” “tradition,” “toast,” and “treat.” These words capture everything from festive decorations to favorite foods and customs that define the season.

Curious to find more themed words or phrases? Use QuillBot’s AI Chat to generate word lists, create greeting card messages, or come up with creative writing ideas for the holidays.

What are some holiday words that start with “S”?

Holiday words beginning with “S” include “snow,” “Santa,” “sleigh,” “star,” “stocking,” “spirit,” and “sparkle.” These words bring to mind the sights, sounds, and feelings of the festive season.

Writing cards or social posts this season? Use QuillBot’s Grammar Checker to make sure your holiday messages shine as brightly as your spirit.

What are some holiday words that start with “A”?

Holiday words starting with “A” include “angel,” “Advent,” “applesauce,” “aglow,” and “adoration.”

Curious to find more holiday words or fresh ways to use them? Try QuillBot’s AI Chat to explore festive vocabulary and create your own seasonal messages.