Xmas or Christmas?

20 years ago

I am not particularly religious but respect Christian beliefs and raise my kids to respect them too and make sure they know the Christmas and Easter stories, etc. I usually try to use the word Christmas instead of 'Xmas' unless I am in a hurry as I respect the thought that Xmas was taking the Christ out of Christmas, until I came across this, which I have taken the liberty of copying -
XMAS -
This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. X is also the letter Chi which is the first letter of Christ's name in the Greek alphabet. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a shorthand form of the word. Although the early Christians understood that X stood for Christ's name, later Christians who did not understand the Greek language mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect.

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Comments (10)

User
20 years ago
Very Intersting GH. I never knew that, my hubby hates the word when he is reading me whats on the Christmas cards we receive he always says X....mas not Christmas..Thanks for that ....Cheers...MM.
joshp
20 years ago
This is true. 'X' was used as a sign of Christ, so Xmas is just as valid as Christmas. On the same topic, do you pronounce Xmas the same as Christmas?
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treeluver
20 years ago
Very interesting to learn the origins of words. I'll be able to write Xmas with a clear conscience!
ashmeri
20 years ago
Thanks for that information. It has annoyed me over the years to see Xmas, I just though it was the lazy way to write Christmas. Now I see it in another light. Amazing what we learn on this Forum isn't it ? Marion, who wishes you all a Joyful Xmas.
Sparaxis
20 years ago
I knew that. My daughter uses Xtine as her online identity - her Stepfather gave her this identity one Christmas when we were wrapping presents. It might be more correctly spelled Xine. In my head I pronounce Xmas as "X" mas, but I say Christmas. :-) Jan
danielkemp
20 years ago
Hi folks, many of you know that in my non-gardening life I am a Baptist minister currently serving as an Army Chaplain. (For those of you who did not know - it is because this is not the place/forum - so I keep pretty shut about that, in this forum.) Anyway, although I am by no means an expert I did put up with Greek and Hebrew classes when I studied for the ministry. I prefer to visit a Greek island than to read it! What GH says above is correct. The "X" (Chi) however is not normally written as one of our "X". Chi has a squiggly bit top and bottom of the bit going down from left to right. I use it (Chi) for my own purposes when abbreviating the name of Christ. Personally I do not write Xmas but that is probably by convention. When I read "XMAS" for some strangereason that is how I sound it in my head = X-MAS. If I was writing notes to myself in study I might write (use the letter chi)mas. I hope this is helpful trivia. For those who celebrate Christmas I wish you a very happy Christmas. For those who do not I send you my respect and care and wish for you a very happy time full of peace and joy at this festive time. All the very best gardening and other life for 2006. Daniel
User
20 years ago
Interesting Daniel....Its amazing what you can learn on these Forums................................................................ And a Happy Christmas to you, and all the best for 2006....MM.
goldhills
Original Author
20 years ago
HAPPY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS (or XMAS) AND NEW YEAR TO ALL. Goldhills
greencroc
20 years ago
I like the word Christmas,it,s a happy sounding word,plus walking around saying have a happy Xmas always sounded a bit weird,MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY.
marnie4604
20 years ago
Hi Everyone, Me too, I have read your responses with an open mind, but I still like the word Christmas and usually go out of my way to use it, I just think we abbreviate too many things like firies, air-con etc. So give me Christmas anytime. Another reason, my hubby is into X's, four of them, (get my drift) so I guess I can do without anymore!!!! Happy Safe Christmas to All whatever it is to you Best wishes Marnie

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