Holiday vs. Christmas
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 19, 2023
"Holiday" refers to a day of celebration or relaxation that can be religious or secular, while "Christmas" is a specific holiday celebrated on December 25th to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Key Differences
"Holiday" is a general term that refers to a day set aside for celebration or relaxation, either due to religious, national, or cultural reasons. "Christmas," on the other hand, is a specific holiday celebrated primarily by Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
"Holiday" can represent a wide range of occasions, from religious holidays like Easter and Hanukkah to secular holidays like New Year's Day and Independence Day. "Christmas" is narrower in scope, specifically referring to the Christian celebration, which may also have secular aspects like gift-giving and decoration.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
In terms of grammar, both "holiday" and "Christmas" function primarily as nouns. While "holiday" can be pluralized as "holidays," indicating multiple days of celebration, "Christmas" is typically used in its singular form, although it can be possessive as in "Christmas's traditions."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
"Holiday" can also serve as an adjective, such as in "holiday season" or "holiday sale." "Christmas" similarly functions adjectivally in compounds like "Christmas tree" or "Christmas carol," signifying things or activities specific to this holiday.
Samantha Walker
Sep 19, 2023
In summary, while "holiday" is a more general term used to describe various types of celebratory or restful days, "Christmas" is a specific holiday celebrated by Christians, but widely recognized and often secularized.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Primarily a noun, can be an adjective
Primarily a noun, can be an adjective
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
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Specificity
General term for various occasions
Specific to Christian tradition
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Religious Affiliation
Can be religious or secular
Primarily religious, but often secularized
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Cultural Scope
Global, varies by culture
Widely celebrated, origin in Christianity
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Holiday and Christmas Definitions
Holiday
A day commemorating a special event.
Independence Day is a national holiday.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
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Christmas
Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
We attend church on Christmas.
Samantha Walker
Sep 19, 2023
Christmas
A season of merriment and good cheer.
The Christmas season is full of joy.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Christmas
A holiday with popular traditions like decorating a tree.
We decorate the Christmas tree together.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
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Holiday
A day free from work that one may spend at leisure, especially a day on which custom or the law dictates a halting of general business activity to commemorate or celebrate a particular event.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Christmas
A festival involving gift-giving and feasting.
We exchange gifts on Christmas morning.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Christmas
December 25, the day on which this feast is observed as a public holiday in many countries.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
A day on which a festival, religious event, or national celebration is traditionally observed.
Today is a Wiccan holiday!
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Christmas
An annual church festival (December 25) and in some States a legal holiday, in memory of the birth of Christ, often celebrated by a particular church service, and also by special gifts, greetings, and hospitality.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
A period of one or more days taken off work for leisure and often travel; often plural.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Christmas
A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
A period during which pupils do not attend their school; often plural; rarely used for students at university (usually: vacation).
I want to take a French course this summer holiday.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
(finance) A period during which, by agreement, the usual payments are not made.
A mortgage payment holiday
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
A consecrated day; religious anniversary; a day set apart in honor of some person, or in commemoration of some event. See Holyday.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
A day of exemption from labor; a day of amusement and gayety; a festival day.
And young and old come forth to playOn a sunshine holiday.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
Occurring rarely; adapted for a special occasion.
Courage is but a holiday kind of virtue, to be seldom exercised.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
Leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure;
We get two weeks of vacation every summer
We took a short holiday in Puerto Rico
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Holiday
A day on which work is suspended by law or custom;
No mail is delivered on federal holidays
It's a good thing that New Year's was a holiday because everyone had a hangover
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
FAQs
Can "holiday" be an adjective?
Yes, "holiday" can function as an adjective, as in "holiday season."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
What does "holiday" generally mean?
"Holiday" refers to a day set aside for celebration or relaxation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
What is "Christmas" specifically?
"Christmas" is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Can "holiday" be pluralized?
Yes, "holiday" can be pluralized as "holidays."
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Can "holiday" be religious?
Yes, a holiday can be religious, such as Easter or Hanukkah.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Can "Christmas" be an adjective?
Yes, "Christmas" can function as an adjective, as in "Christmas tree."
Samantha Walker
Sep 19, 2023
Is "Christmas" a religious holiday?
Yes, Christmas is primarily a religious holiday, though often secularized.
Samantha Walker
Sep 19, 2023
Does "Christmas" have secular aspects?
Yes, Christmas often involves secular practices like gift-giving.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Do all cultures celebrate holidays?
Yes, the concept of holidays exists in various cultures globally.
Samantha Walker
Sep 19, 2023
Is Christmas celebrated globally?
Christmas is widely celebrated, though its significance varies by region.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Can "holiday" refer to a national celebration?
Yes, "holiday" can refer to a day commemorating a special national event, like Independence Day.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Can "holiday" refer to a period of leisure?
Yes, "holiday" can also mean a period of leisure and recreation.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Is "Christmas" usually pluralized?
No, "Christmas" is usually used in its singular form.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Is a "holiday" always a day off work?
Not always, but many holidays are days exempt from work.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Is Christmas a public holiday in the U.S.?
Yes, Christmas is a federal holiday in the U.S.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
