Xmas

[ kris-muhsor, often, eks-muhs ]

abbreviation for

1. Often Offensive. Christmas.

Xmas

/ ˈkrɪsməs; ˈɛksməs /

noun

1. informal.
   short for Christmas

Sensitive Note

The abbreviation Xmas for Christmas dates from the mid 16th century. The X is the Greek letter chi, the initial letter in the word Χριστός ( Chrīstos ) “Christ.” In spite of a long and respectable history, today Xmas is offensive to many, perhaps because of its associations with advertising. It is not used in formal writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Xmas¹

C16: from symbol X for Christ + -mas

Example Sentences

Another added: "Xmas has come early this year".

From BBC

One of those men was Kevin Hammer, a Brooklyn native once referred to in the local news as the “Bill Gates of Xmas Trees.”

From Los Angeles Times

She added that although it will be "so tough to spend Xmas Day in hospital instead of being surrounded by family", getting rid of her tumour will be "the best present of all".

From BBC

Half a century after Slade recorded their massive hit single Merry Xmas Everybody, Noddy Holder said strangers still ask him to shout his "It's Christmas" catchphrase.

From BBC

The X in Xmas as an abbreviation for Christmas definitely does come from the Greek letter χ.

From Scientific American