Holiday Words

Mrs. Newport (United States of America)
25 words 144 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. traverse
    journey across or pass over
    Bearing gifts, we traverse afar.
  2. conifer
    a type of tree or shrub bearing cones
    Pine trees are coniferous.
  3. rotund
    excessively large
    Santa Claus has been described as rotund.
  4. galosh
    a waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow
    In more northern areas, where snow and slush and frequent rain is experienced, most folks own a pair of galoshes.
  5. wreath
    a circular band of flowers or other foliage
    Many people decorate their doors with wreaths of pine and holly during this season.
  6. bough
    any of the larger branches of a tree
    "Deck the halls with boughs of holly..." means "decorate the home with holly branches."
  7. garland
    adorn with bands of flowers or leaves
    People also like to decorate by laying or wrapping long sections of greenery or flowers or even tinsel, called garlands.
  8. festive
    offering fun and gaiety
    The holiday celebrations had everyone in a festive mood.
  9. serenity
    the absence of mental stress or anxiety
    Though it is supposed to be a time of reflection and peace, many people cannot experience serenity during the holiday season because they get caught up in the frenzy of shopping, cleaning, and cooking.
  10. tranquility
    an untroubled state that is free from disturbances
    With or without a thick blanket of snow, many people experience a feeling of tranquility following holiday services.
  11. host
    a vast multitude
    When songs refer to a "heavenly host," they are referring to a crowd of angels.
  12. behold
    see with attention
    When someone says, "Behold," they mean, "Hey, pay attention! Look! Notice!"
  13. aura
    an indication of radiant light around the head of a saint
    Scenes of the nativity often depict Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with aura to demonstrate their holiness. During the holidays, there is a festive aura surrounding many events.
  14. fragrant
    pleasant-smelling
    Cinnamon and cloves and allspice are a fragrant reminder of holiday baking.
  15. mull
    heat with sugar and spices to make a hot drink
    We might mull over the idea that the word can mean "think deeply" or "simmer with sugar and spices."
  16. nativity
    the event of being born
    When nativity scenes are set up, they represent the birth of the Christ child.
  17. incarnate
    possessing or existing in bodily form
    When not singing, he’s chatty, amusing and sweetness incarnate. BusinessWeek (Dec 7, 2011)
  18. nigh
    near in time or place or relationship
    It’s well nigh impossible to accurately forecast weather conditions beyond ten days, given the large number of factors that can influence the outcome. Scientific American (May 13, 2013)
  19. Yule
    period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
    In Denmark, the show inspires memories of pine scent and Yule logs, because the cartoons were traditionally shown on Christmas Day on television. Seattle Times (Jul 2, 2010)
  20. tradition
    a specific practice of long standing
    Many families have holiday traditions that make the gatherings special.
  21. ornament
    something used to beautify
    Ornaments are frequently hung on Christmas trees.
  22. mistletoe
    Old World parasitic shrub having branching greenish stems with leathery leaves and waxy white glutinous berries; the traditional mistletoe of Christmas
    Plants such as holly, magnolia, mistletoe, pine, ivy, and fir were common in the 18th century. Southern Living (Nov 19, 2010)
  23. manger
    a container from which cattle or horses feed
    Later, Matthew and Luke offered extravagant detail—stars, wise men, mangers—but no specifics about timing. —Slate (D
  24. secular
    not concerned with or devoted to religion
    Sadly, the focus has been more and more on the secular, rather than spiritual, messages of the season.
  25. festoon
    a curtain of fabric draped and bound to form graceful curves
    For the holidays, many people festoon their homes with garlands of greenery and poinsettas, ribbons, and even tinsel.
Created on Mon Nov 25 11:47:04 EST 2013 (updated Mon Nov 25 12:52:33 EST 2013)

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