Christmas is a season filled with rich traditions, meaningful symbols, and heartfelt moments that bring people together. From beloved stories like A Christmas Carol featuring Ebenezer Scrooge to the magical touch of elves busy at the North Pole, these symbols remind us of the wonder and joy of the holiday.
Evergreens and Emmanuel connect us to the spiritual and natural beauty of Christmas, while treats like eggnog and cherished gatherings with ensembles of loved ones embody its warmth. Across languages, we see universal themes like hope (Esperanza), light (Encender), and wonder (Émerveillement), as well as unique traditions like Portugal’s savory pies (Empadão) or Sweden’s cozy fires (Eld).
Whether it’s about honoring the Gospel’s message or delighting in the charm (Encanto) of ornaments on a tree, each word adds to the mosaic of Christmas celebrations worldwide, making the season both timeless and deeply personal.
Ebenezer Scrooge
The main character in “A Christmas Carol.” One of the greatest Christmas stories written by Charles Dickens. This has tuned into movies and each one is great. My favorite is “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”
Elf / Elves
Christmas elves are Santa’s helpers, making toys in the North Pole. They add a magical element to Christmas, and stories about them spark children’s imaginations.
Evergreen
Evergreen trees are symbols of resilience and everlasting life, since they stay green even in winter. That’s why we bring Christmas trees into our homes as a reminder of life’s endurance through the darkest days.
Emmanuel
Emmanuel, meaning “God with us,” is one of the names used for Jesus, especially in carols. It reflects the spiritual side of Christmas as a celebration of Jesus’s birth.
Eggnog
A classic holiday drink, eggnog brings cozy, festive flavor to Christmas gatherings. It’s rich, creamy, and often spiced, making it a seasonal favorite in many households.
Evangelium (Gospel)
The Gospel tells the story of Jesus’s birth, so it’s central to the Christmas message. Many read or hear these passages at Christmas services or in holiday traditions.
Ensemble (Together, as in gathering)
Christmas is about togetherness. We gather with loved ones to share food, stories, and memories, making “ensemble” (togetherness) a perfect word for the season.
Essence (as in the spirit of Christmas)
The essence of Christmas is all about generosity, love, and warmth. It’s that “Christmas spirit” people feel through acts of kindness and spending time with loved ones.
Eternity
Santa seems eternal; he’s been around in stories for generations, adapting with each culture’s traditions. This idea of timelessness is reflected in the “eternal” magic of Christmas, which is renewed every year.
Estrella (Spanish for Star)
The star represents the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the wise men to Jesus. It’s why we place a star on top of Christmas trees or see it in nativity scenes.
Esperanza (Spanish for Hope)
Christmas brings a sense of hope, as it celebrates new beginnings and the potential for joy and peace. It’s a hopeful time that brings people together.
Encender (To light, as in lighting candles in Spanish)
Christmas lights and candles brighten dark winter nights, symbolizing warmth and welcoming. Lighting candles is also a beautiful tradition in many religious services.
Encuentro (Spanish for Gathering)
Family gatherings are at the heart of Christmas, where people come together to celebrate, eat, and enjoy each other’s company, even if it’s just for one day.
Émerveillement (French for Wonder or amazement)
Christmas has a magical quality that inspires awe, from the twinkling lights to the anticipation of gifts. That feeling of wonder is one of the season’s most cherished experiences.
Encanto (Charm, as in Christmas charm in Portuguese)
Christmas decorations and holiday traditions create a charming atmosphere, making everything feel a bit more special, almost like a fairytale.
Enfeite (Ornament in Portuguese)
Ornaments are symbols of joy and tradition. Decorating a tree with ornaments—each with its own story or memory—brings a personal touch to the holiday season.
Esmola (Portuguese for Alms)
Christmas is a season of giving, so almsgiving and helping those in need is particularly emphasized. People feel called to be generous, sharing what they have with others.
Encenação (Portuguese for Reenactment)
Nativity plays and other reenactments bring the story of Christmas to life. These performances connect people to the holiday’s origins and remind us of its meaning.
Esperança (Portuguese for Hope)
Hope is a big part of Christmas, representing the joy of new beginnings and faith in the future. It’s a time to look forward and believe in good things to come.
Empadão (Portuguese for Savory Pie)
Traditional foods like empadão bring loved ones together for a warm, hearty meal, celebrating family and culture with a dish that’s both comforting and festive.
Eerbetoon (Dutch for Tribute)
Honoring traditions is part of Christmas, whether it’s a nod to ancestors, cultural practices, or religious ceremonies that give meaning to the season.
Eindejaar (Dutch for End of Year)
Christmas is a joyful way to close the year, reflecting on the past and looking forward to the new year. It’s a time for celebrating and saying goodbye to another year.
Eten (Dutch for Food)
Food is a central part of Christmas. From elaborate dinners to sweets, the feasts bring people together, reminding us that sharing a meal is one of the oldest forms of connection.
These are the Christmas words that start with the letter E. If you have more let me know, I’ll add it to the list.
