Image: Pexels.com
By Tab Olsen
The lights are twinkling, soft and bright,
Xmas whispers through the night.
Children’s laughter, carols sung,
Hope and joy on every tongue.The tree adorned with ribboned cheer,
Memories gather, loved ones near.
Though shortened words may mark the day,
The spirit of Christ still lights the way.Xmas bells ring clear and true,
Peace and kindness born anew.
In every heart, the season grows,
A gift of love the whole world knows.
This poem highlights how the term “Xmas” carries the same warmth and meaning as “Christmas,” despite its abbreviated form.
Both Xmas and Christmas refer to the same holiday, although some people mistakenly think Xmas removes Christ from Christmas. In reality, Xmas is simply a historical abbreviation of Christmas, which itself is a shortened term.
Origins of the Terms
- Christmas: Comes from Old English Cristes maesse (“Christ’s Mass”), referring to the church service celebrating Jesus’ birth.
- Xmas: Dates back to at least the 16th century. The “X” represents the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of Christos (Χριστός), meaning “Christ”.
The term Xmas had been used by Christian scholars and clergy for centuries. The problem with the way it was perceived arose when it became popularly used in modern advertising, which led to its associations with consumerism rather than religious tradition.
Usage Today
- Christmas: Preferred in formal, religious, or traditional contexts (church services, liturgy, official greetings).
- Xmas: Common in pop culture, informal writing, or advertising when space is limited. It’s widely accepted but sometimes avoided by those who want to emphasize the religious meaning.
Summary
The word “Christmas” stresses tradition and faith, while “Xmas” is shorthand rooted in Greek, but the latter is often seen as casual or commercial. Some believe that the abbreviation is secular or disrespectful, and while I understand the sentiment, I personally never had a problem with it.
I find myself using both “Christmas” and “Xmas” depending on the context and space requirements. For example, if I’m taking notes in a hurry or jotting down the date of a holiday party on my calendar, I’ll write Xmas. But if I’m sending someone a seasonal greeting card, I’ll write “Merry Christmas.” How about you?
Wishing everyone a Merry Xmas and Blessed New Year!
