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Christmas
English blogVocabulary

12 Christmas Idioms

3 min read

12 Christmas Idioms

Christmas is a time when we gather with our family and celebrate. There are also a lot of fun expressions and idioms connected to Christmas. Take a look at some of these holiday idioms to get into the Christmas spirit!

The more the merrier

The more people, the more fun.

I’m hosting a Christmas dinner this year, and I’m telling everyone, the more the merrier, so we can have a great time together!
Let’s invite more neighbors to the holiday party — the more the merrier, and it’ll be so much fun!

Trim the tree

To decorate the Christmas tree, to put up decorations on the tree

We always trim the tree as a family, making it the centerpiece of our Christmas celebration.
The kids can’t wait to trim the tree this year, they love putting the star on top.

White Christmas

Christmas with snow.

Nothing beats the magic of a White Christmas, with snowflakes gently falling outside.
We’re hoping for a White Christmas, so we can go sledding and build a snowman.

The proof is in the pudding

You can only know if something is good by trying it.

Everyone’s raving about the cookies. The proof is in the pudding—they taste amazing!
We tried a new recipe for the holiday dinner, and the proof is in the pudding, everyone loved it!

Christmas came early

Something good happened earlier than we expected.

Getting that job offer felt like Christmas came early for me!
Finding the perfect gift for her was like Christmas came early—what a relief!

Light up like a Christmas tree

To smile or look very happy.

Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw her birthday surprise!
His smile lit up like a Christmas tree when he got the news about the promotion.

Stocking stuffer

Small gifts that are put inside stockings.

I bought some cozy socks and chocolates as stocking stuffers for everyone.
She always puts little handmade ornaments as stocking stuffers for the family.

Secret Santa

A gift-giving game where you secretly give a present to someone.

Last year’s Secret Santa was so much fun! It was a challenge to figure out who bought my gift.
We’re doing Secret Santa this year, so everyone gets a surprise gift without breaking the bank.

Like turkeys voting for Christmas

Doing something that goes against your own best interest.

Agreeing to work overtime for no extra pay is like turkeys voting for Christmas!
Taking on more tasks with no reward is like turkeys voting for Christmas, you’re just making things harder for yourself.

In the holiday spirit

Feeling happy, cheerful, and ready to celebrate.

He’s definitely in the holiday spirit, handing out candy canes and spreading joy to everyone.
We decided to volunteer at the local shelter to get in the holiday spirit.

To be a Scrooge

Someone who is not generous or who dislikes Christmas.

She didn’t want to contribute to the charity drive and complained about the cost of presents—she’s such a Scrooge!
Don’t be a Scrooge this Christmas; let’s enjoy the holiday season and share with others.

Under the mistletoe

Standing under the mistletoe, where it’s traditional to kiss someone.

Everyone gathered under the mistletoe for a festive holiday kiss to celebrate the new year.
He had no idea she would be standing under the mistletoe when he walked in, it was the perfect moment.

Be sure to check out our curated list of popular idioms!

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