Phrases beginning with “x” and referring to the Christmas vacation are unusual in trendy English. The letter “x” itself holds symbolic significance in Christian custom, representing the Greek letter Chi, an abbreviation for Christ. Whereas “Xmas” is usually used as a shorthand for Christmas, it stems from this abbreviation and never a real phrase starting with “x” particular to the vacation.
Using “Xmas” could be traced again to the sixteenth century. Whereas generally perceived as secularizing the vacation, its roots lie in non secular custom. The observe of abbreviating Christ utilizing “X” has a protracted historical past in non secular texts and iconography. Understanding this historical past can present helpful context for the utilization of “X” in a Christmas context.