Christmas is a season rich with traditions, and it turns out that words beginning with the letter “D” capture so many of the things that make the holidays magical across different cultures. From “decorations” that brighten our homes to “dinner” gatherings filled with delicious food, “December” days filled with “dance” and “donations,” and even the warmth of a “deken” (blanket) or the scent of a “dennetak” (pine branch), each word hints at a special piece of the Christmas experience. Whether it’s “douceurs” (sweets) in French, “dolci” in Italian, or the “dons” (gifts) that symbolize love and generosity, these D-words highlight the cozy, festive, and heartfelt spirit of the holiday season shared around the world.
Dance
Celebratory dancing that often happens at holiday parties.
Decor
General term for holiday decorations that make spaces festive.
Decorations
Ornaments, lights, and other festive items used to make spaces cheerful.
December
The month when Christmas is celebrated.
Die Hard
One of my favorite Christmas movie series. I don’t care what any of you say this is a Christmas movie.
Dinner
Christmas dinner, the main meal shared with family and friends on Christmas Day.
Divine
Often used to describe something heavenly or perfect, sometimes in a religious context for Christmas.
Donations
Giving to those in need, a common practice during the holiday season.
Dove
A symbol of peace, often associated with Christmas.
Drummer
Refers to the “drummers drumming” from “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Dressing
Another word for stuffing. A popular addition to Christmas dinner, especially popular in the U.S.
Descanso
Spanish for rest, as the holiday season is often a time to relax.
Dicha
Stands for happiness or joy in Spanish, often felt and shared during the season.
Dios
God in Spanish, central to religious celebrations of Christmas.
Día de Navidad
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th.
Duendes
Spanish for the Elves, who help Santa in folklore.
Dulce de leche
A sweet treat enjoyed during holiday celebrations in some Spanish-speaking countries.
Dulces
Sweets or candies often shared during Christmas.
Déjeuner de Noël
French for Christmas lunch, sometimes a big meal with family.
Dinde
Turkey, a popular dish for Christmas dinner in France as well as here in the U.S.
Douce Nuit
“Silent Night,” the famous Christmas carol known in French as “Douce Nuit.”
Douceurs
French for sweets, often shared with family and friends at Christmastime.
Dankbarkeit
German for gratitude, an emotion often felt during the season of giving.
Deckchen
Little cloths or doilies, often part of holiday table decor in Germany.
Dienstag nach Weihnachten
The day after Christmas, often still part of the holiday season in Germany as well as here in the U.S.
Dorf
Village, as many Christmas markets are set up in village squares in Germany.
Donner
One of Santa’s reindeer.
Drinks
Beverages often enjoyed during Christmas gatherings.
Duft
Scent, as in the smells of Christmas, like baked goods and spices.
Danza di Natale
Italian for Christmas dance, as dancing is part of some holiday gatherings.
Domenica di Natale
Italian Christmas Sunday, if Christmas falls on a Sunday.
Doni
Italian for gifts, often exchanged on Christmas.
Dag
Day, as in Christmas Day, or “kerstdag” in Dutch.
Deken
Dutch for blanket, symbolizing warmth and comfort during the winter.
Dikter
Poems, as some Swedish families read Christmas poems together.
Dopp i grytan
“Dip in the pot,” a traditional Swedish Christmas dish involving dipping bread in broth.
Duka
To set the table, an important part of Christmas feasts.
That is the list of Christmas words from around the world that start with the letter D. I hope you enjoyed and take a look at the rest of the letters.
