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Xmas (also X-mas) is a common abbreviation of the word Christmas. It is sometimes pronounced / ˈɛksməs /, but Xmas, and variants such as Xtemass, originated as handwriting abbreviations for the typical pronunciation / ˈkrɪsməs /.
Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts.
Christmas is celebrated on December 25 as both a Christian holiday and a global cultural tradition. It honors the birth of Jesus Christ and includes festive customs like gift-giving, decorations, and seasonal music.
Christmas is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth—the incarnation of God with us. Beyond gifts and traditions, its core meaning is worshiping the Savior who came to bring hope, peace, and salvation, remembered through Scripture, historic practices, and acts of love toward others.
One of the earliest known uses of the word “Xmas” in English dates back to 1021 CE, when an Anglo-Saxon scribe jotted down “XPmas” as a way to save space on his precious parchment.
Christmas in the West is traditionally observed on December 25, or January 7 in the Eastern Orthodox Churches. In most Christian communities, the holiday is celebrated with great cheer, song, exchange of gifts, storytelling and family gatherings.
But what about ‘ Xmas ’? Lots of people think this is just a modern-day abbreviation – but it actually dates back to the 16th century! The ‘X’ is said to represent the Greek letter ‘Chi’ – the first letter in the Greek word for Christ, Χριστός (pronounced ‘ Christos’).