Looking for Christmas words that start with D? This collection includes festive terms, winter vocabulary, food words, and everyday words you can use in Christmas sentences. Each entry has a meaning and an example to help with cards, stories, classroom tasks, or word games.
Here’s a list of Christmas words starting with the letter D, including their meanings:
Choosing Words for Your Activity
For a quick starting set, try December, Decorations, Decor, Deck, Dasher, Dancer, Donner. For a strict Christmas-only challenge, choose names, objects, or traditions directly connected with the holiday. For creative writing, the broader descriptive and food words can help you tell a richer seasonal story.
The example sentences illustrate possible uses; they do not mean that every family follows the same custom. Names, slang, phrases, and inflected forms may be treated differently in a game, so agree on the rules first.
Dash
To run or travel somewhere in a hurry, such as the term Dash Away, which Santa tells his reindeer to do in “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
Example: Just like Santa did, the Grinch started to dash away from Whoville with all of their Christmas presents and decorations.
Dasher, Dancer, and Donner
Three of Santa’s reindeer used to pull his sleigh around the work on Christmas Eve.
Example: Santa was running late on Christmas Eve, but then the elves also noticed Dasher, Dancer, and Donner were also running late.
Dashing
To be moving swiftly through the snow, such as when going to visit Grandma on Christmas Day.
Example: We rode on the snowmobile dashing through the snow as we enjoyed looking at all the Christmas lights up around town.
David
When in reference to the “City of David” it is in relation to Bethlehem.
Example: When Mary was pregnant, she and Joseph went to the City of David, where baby Jesus was born.
Dear
To be regarded with deep affection or cherished by someone, such as a dear friend.
Example: Santa turned to Mrs. Claus and said, “Dear, can you cook a festive meal for the elves tomorrow?”
December
The twelfth month of the year.
Example: I can hardly believe it is December already, and Christmas will be here before we know it.
Deck
To decorate or dress something, as in the phrase 'deck the halls.'
Example: One of our favorite holiday songs to sing is “Deck the Halls” as we decorate our Christmas tree.
Decor
The style and furnishings used to decorate a place.
Example: Her Christmas decor was fabulous and full of festive colors, including reindeer, snowmen, and lots of snow.
Decorations
Objects used to make a place look festive or attractive.
Example: The Christmas tree decorations were so festive they made the entire room light up with happiness and glee.
Decree
An official order, such as the statement issued by Caesar Augustus about the birth of Jesus in the Bible’s story.
Example: The decree announced the birth of Baby Jesus and was heard by all in the land.
Deeds
Good acts of kindness and other positive activities, such as volunteering.
Example: Every year, we make a list of good deeds we can do to help others in the community during the Christmas season.
Deer
A hoofed grazing animal with branch-like bony antlers that shed annually.
Example: It is so exciting to see the deer frolicking in the snow when we go exploring Christmas Day morning.
Deli
A store where you can purchase meat often used for sandwiches but can also refer to the meat when set out as an appetizer at a family gathering.
Example: I was so hungry waiting for Christmas dinner that I grabbed some meat and cheese from the deli tray to snack on while we waited for dinner.
Delicious
Very pleasant to taste.
Example: We were looking forward to Christmas Day dinner at Grandma’s because it is always a delicious feast.
Deliveries
Items brought to their destinations.
Example: Mom went a bit overboard this Christmas, and it seems as if there are endless deliveries from the post office.
Deo
A term used to reference “Praise be to God” and from the Latin hymn “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”
Example: Johnny has been studying Latin, and at dinner, he used the term laus Deo to thank God for being with friends and family at Christmas.
Design
How something is created to look often includes complementary elements, such as a specific Christmas design pattern.
Example: This year, we decided to design our home using a snowman design theme for Christmas.
Desserts
Sweet dishes served after a meal.
Example: The dessert table was filled with many sweet treats, chocolate goodies, and cookies, and we almost wanted to skip Christmas dinner and go right for dessert.
Deviled
A way of cooking food using a hot seasoning, often used for cooking chicken or eggs.
Example: My favorite party appetizer for potlucks at Christmas time is deviled eggs.
Devotions
Prayers or religious observances, such as Biblical passages about the meaning of Christmas.
Example: She went to her devotions as she prepared for Midnight Mass with the rest of her family.
Dickens
Charles Dickens, the author of A Christmas Carol.
Example: It is impossible to enjoy a traditional Christmas without sharing “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
Die Hard
An action movie starring Bruce Willis set at Nakatomi Tower on Christmas.
Example: One of the biggest debates we have every year is if “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. Though I think it is, everyone in my family disagrees.
Dimples
A spot on the cheeks that cave in when smiling, such as when Santa smiles in the story “A Visit from St. Nicolas.”
Example: His smile was so big on Christmas Day morning his dimples appeared more significant than usual.
Dinner
A main meal, often shared with others at Christmas.
Example: Christmas dinner was so extravagant this year; we had turkey, ham, and duck, offering enough food for everyone to sample a little of everything.
Dips
A mixture created to use as condiments or something chips, vegetables, or other items can be dipped into. For example, dips are commonly used as appetizers or fillers on the Christmas Day table or buffet.
Example: Christina made delicious dips to accompany the charcuterie board she set out on the living room table during the Christmas party.
Discussion
Talking and sharing thoughts, especially when talking about the meaning of Christmas.
Example: Every year, there is an extensive discussion about who is hosting Christmas Day dinner, but every year my sister wins and ends up being a gracious hostess.
Displays
Items set out for all to see, such as holiday-decorated store windows.
Example: Every Christmas, we take a walk downtown to see what Macy’s has on display in their windows, which is always so festive.
Divine
Of being excellent or delightful and is referenced in “O Holy Night.”
Example: Santa had the most divine smile that all the children were happy to see him and smiled back.
DIY
An abbreviation for 'do it yourself,' used for homemade projects.
Example: This year, we are having a DIY Christmas and making all the ornaments for our tree by hand.
Dog
A domesticated animal similar to a wolf, also known as man’s best friend.
Example: The dog sled was ready for us to go out riding to see all the Christmas lights around town.
Doilies
A small ornamental mat, often made of fabric, plastic, or paper, cut in a lace pattern and used to decorate homes for Christmas.
Example: Mom had us put out doilies on the dining room table as we started to set up for Christmas Day dinner.
Dolls
A miniature model of a human, often designed as a baby or girl, is a popular toy given at Christmas.
Example: Sandy finally got the baby doll she wanted for Christmas and carried that thing everywhere she went for months after.
Dominick
The name of a character from a classic Christmas song – “Dominick the Donkey.”
Example: One of my favorite songs at Christmas is “Dominick the Donkey,” and I always have to sing along when it plays on the radio.
Donations
Gifts of money, goods, or other help for a cause.
Example: At Christmas time, we receive enough donations to help ensure all the kids in the community receive presents.
Donning
To put on something, such as clothing or apparel.
Example: Everyone donned their best ugly sweater at the company Christmas party.
Door
A hinged barrier at the entrance to the home or sliding glass doors going out onto a patio.
Example: This year, we finally got a Christmas wreath to hang on our front door.
Dough
A mixture used to make foods such as bread or cookies.
Example: Mom got the dough ready for us to make cookies for Santa and some carrots for Rudolph on Christmas Eve night.
Doves
A fruit or seed-eating bird with short legs and a small head is often in references as a symbol of peace.
Example: I always forget the verse “Two Turtle Doves” in the song “12 Days of Christmas” and wonder what a turtle dove is.
Down
To go from a higher to a lower point, such as Santa Claus going down the chimney.
Example: We did not have a chimney, so I left Santa a key to our home so he could leave me Christmas presents.
Doxology
A hymn is offering praise to God.
Example: After the singing of the doxology during Midnight Mass, we sat down to enjoy the rest of the sermon.
Drafty
A cool uncomfortable current of air, typically within an enclosed space, such as a cabin.
Example: The home was drafty Christmas morning; dad decided to start a fire to help keep us warm as we opened presents.
Dream
A series of thoughts, images, and feelings experienced when sleeping, such as dreaming of a white Christmas.
Example: The kids were all tucked in their beds, dreaming of what might be left by Santa Claus when they woke up on Christmas Day morning.
Dressing
A side dish made of bread crumbs, onions, and sage to stuff in the turkey when cooking.
Example: The dressing was the perfect addition to the Christmas Day dinner and had many flavorings.
Drinks
A liquid that is meant to be swallowed, such as beverages and punch.
Example: There were so many good drinks available at the company Christmas party I needed help picking which one I wanted to try.
Drippings
The fats and juices that come from cooking meat, such as a Christmas Day turkey.
Example: Mom always collected the drippings from the turkey to make the gravy to serve with Christmas Day dinner.
Drummer
A person who plays a drum.
Example: The popular Christmas song “The Little Drummer Boy” was initially known as “Carol of the Drum.”
Drumming
Playing a drum or making a repeated tapping sound.
Example: The drumming sound of the church bells told everyone in town that Christmas Day was finally here.
Dulcimer
A musical definition designed with a sounding board, and often a trapezoidal shape and used in many Christmas songs.
Example: Jack played the dulcimer while everyone else hummed along to popular Christmas songs.
Duvet
A soft quilt filled with down or other synthetic fibers, used to keep warm on cold, chilly nights.
Example: The blanket was not enough to keep us warm on Christmas Eve, so we went into our parents’ room and took their duvet.
Drumstick
The leg of a turkey, which is often served at Christmas dinner.
Example: Every year, mom had to make two turkeys because we always fought over who got the drumsticks.
Duck
A waterbird that is sometimes served at Christmas dinner.
Example: My mom makes a memorable Christmas Day dinner by serving a hen that is stuffed in a duck and then stuffed in a turkey. She called it a Turducken.
Christmas Words From A-Z
Here’s each list of Christmas words from the letters A to Z:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Christmas Word Activities
- Write five chosen words on cards, then match each word with a drawing or definition.
- Use three words in a Christmas card message or a short story. Include one object, one action, and one feeling.
- Play a sentence-building game: each player adds a sentence using a different word.
- For younger children, read the examples together and explain unfamiliar words before asking them to write.
You can make the activity easier by allowing phrases and proper names, or harder by using only words with a direct Christmas connection. Keep a separate list of general winter words so children can see the difference.
52 Christmas Words That Start With C (List With Meanings)
