I. ˈkrisməs noun
( -es )
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: Middle English Cristemasse, Cristes mæsse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, from Cristes (gen. of Crist Christ) + mæsse mass — more at christ , mass
1. : an annual church festival kept on December 25 or by some Eastern churches on January 7 in memory of the birth of Christ, celebrated generally by a particular church service, special gifts, and greetings, and observed in most Christian communities as a legal holiday
2. : the Christmas season : christmastide
3. dialect England : evergreens used for decorations at Christmas
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Usage: capitalized
: to celebrate Christmas
an evening of Christmasing