The holiday season is a time of giving, gathering, and, as it turns out, adding to our vocabulary. Many of our most common Christmas expressions have rich origins, from classic literature to ancient stories. These phrases, now used in everyday conversations, show just how much the spirit of Christmas has influenced the way we speak. So, here are a few expressions with fascinating backstories.
English Expressions from Classic Literature
Classic stories about Christmas have given us some of our most recognizable expressions. In addition, these phrases are perfect for describing people and situations that are less than festive.
- “Bah Humbug!”: This iconic phrase expresses the ultimate holiday grumpiness and cynicism.
- Origin: Ebenezer Scrooge famously used this phrase in Charles Dickens’s novel A Christmas Carol.
- Example: “My uncle says he hates all the Christmas music. I guess he’s just a real ‘Bah humbug!’”
- “Scrooge”: We use this as a noun to describe a person who is very cheap and dislikes Christmas.
- Origin: This term is a direct reference to the miserly protagonist of A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge.
- Example: “Don’t be a ‘Scrooge’ and share some of your cookies with everyone else.”
Expressions with Biblical Roots
Some of the most powerful and meaningful expressions in English come from biblical stories. While these stories are central to the Christmas tradition, the phrases themselves have become part of our everyday vocabulary.
- “Good Samaritan”: A person who selflessly helps others in need, especially strangers.
- Origin: From the Bible’s parable of the Good Samaritan, where a traveler from Samaria stops to help a stranger who has been robbed and beaten.
- Example: “A ‘Good Samaritan’ helped me change my flat tire on the side of the road.”
- “To go the extra mile”: To put in extra effort or do more than is necessary.
- Origin: A teaching from the Bible (Matthew 5:41) gave us this phrase. In it, Jesus says, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
- Example: “Our customer service representative ‘went the extra mile’ to solve our problem.”
- “The writing is on the wall”: A phrase indicating that a certain outcome, usually a negative one, is imminent and unavoidable.
- Origin: This phrase originates from the Old Testament Book of Daniel, where a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on a wall, signaling a king’s downfall.
- Example: “After the company lost its biggest client, we all knew that ‘the writing was on the wall’ for layoffs.”
Idioms from Holiday Tradition & Folklore
These expressions are deeply tied to Christmas customs and we use them to describe specific situations and feelings.
- “A Christmas miracle”: A surprising and positive event that feels almost divine.
- Origin: This phrase comes from the themes of miracles and hope we associate with the birth of Jesus.
- Example: “We were stuck in traffic, but we made it to the airport just in time. It was a ‘Christmas miracle’!”
- “White Christmas”: A Christmas day with a fresh layer of snow on the ground.
- Origin: The popular Christmas song “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin gave us this term.
- Example: “I really hope we have a ‘white Christmas’ this year. It feels so magical.”
- “As good as gold”: We use this to describe someone, usually a child, who is very well-behaved.
- Origin: This is a festive reference to the gifts of the Three Wise Men, who brought gold to the baby Jesus.
- Example: “My daughter has been ‘as good as gold’ all week.”
Quiz Time!
- Which of the following expressions originates from the novel A Christmas Carol?
A. “The writing is on the wall” B. “A Christmas miracle” C. “Bah humbug!” - A person who is unfairly blamed for the mistakes of others is called a what?
A. A good Samaritan B. A scapegoat C. The forbidden fruit - What is the meaning of the phrase “to go the extra mile”?
A. To do more than is required B. To walk a long distance C. To take a shortcut
Discussion Question
What is your favorite holiday-related expression, and why? Share your thoughts below!
For more about the surprising meanings behind everyday traditions, check out our article on Superstitions and Symbols: Unlucky Numbers and Good Luck Charms.