/ ˈkrɪsməs; NAmE / noun [ U , C ]
1.
(also ˌChristmas ˈDay ) 25 December, the day when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ :
Christmas dinner / presents
—see also Boxing Day
2.
(also Christ·mas·time ) the period that includes Christmas Day and the days close to it :
the Christmas holidays / vacation
Are you spending Christmas with your family?
Happy Christmas!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
—see also white Christmas
For more information see the Cultural Guide
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English Crīstes mæsse (see Christ , Mass ).