World English Dictionary
Christmas (ˈkrɪsməs)
— n
1. a. the annual commemoration by Christians of the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec 25
b. Also called: Christmas Day Dec 25, observed as a day of secular celebrations when gifts and greetings are exchanged
c. ( as modifier ): Christmas celebrations
2. Lady Day Midsummer's Day Compare Michaelmas Also called: Christmas Day (in England, Wales and Ireland) Dec 25, one of the four quarter days
3. Also called: Christmastide the season of Christmas extending from Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) to Jan 6 (the festival of the Epiphany or Twelfth Night)
[Old English Crīstes mæsse Mass of Christ ]
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Word Origin & History
Christmas
late O.E. Cristes mæsse, from Christ (but retaining the original vowel sound) + mass. Written as one word from mid-14c. Father Christmas first attested in a carol attributed to Richard Smart, Rector of Plymtree (Devon) from 1435-77. Christmas