The Christmas season is here, and what a fun way to celebrate the season than by learning different words linked to Christmas and traditions around the world. Having a list of Christmas-related words can help with writing letters to Santa, sending Christmas cards, and making fun, festive crafts. Plus, the list of words can be used as a learning experience for younger children, offering a way to expand their vocabulary and introduce them to new cultures and holiday celebrations.
Here’s a list of Christmas words that start with the letter K, including their meanings:
Kazoo
A small musical instrument that is played by humming into a hollow pipe-like structure, which vibrates, creating a unique sound.
Example: Mom was really regretting giving us kazoos in our Christmas socks this year because we have been playing with them non-stop since this morning.
Keep
To have something or retain possession of it.
Example: I liked what I bought my sister for Christmas, so I was tempted to keep it for myself, but instead, I went to buy another one.
Kettle
A container or device used to boil water in it and has a spout and handle, such as a tea kettle.
Example: We always love warm tea on Christmas Eve, and it was about time we pulled out the kettle to start boiling the water.
Kevin (Mcallister)
The child left behind in the “Home Alone” franchise and is considered the protagonist in one of the best holiday time and Christmas movies of all time.
Example: Every Christmas, we watch “Home Alone,” and every time, the mom freaks out at the airport and yells, “Kevin!” I can’t help but laugh.
Key
A small piece of metal shaped to fit a particular lock, which, when inserted and turned, unlocks and opens a door. It can also mean something of paramount importance.
Example: Carl was worried Santa could not get into their home because they did not have a chimney, so he made a paper key for Santa and left it on the front porch.
Keyboard
A panel of keys that is used to operate a computer or used to reference the keys on a piano.
Example: Dad opened the computer keyboard before the computer, which gave away the surprise of what we bought him for Christmas.
Keychain
A device made from various materials that is used to hold keys together in one place while attaching all keys using a ring or other methods.
Example: Every year, we find unique keychains in our stockings for Christmas, and this year our keychains represented our vacation to Hawaii earlier this year.
Keepsakes
A small item is often kept in memory of a person who gave it to them or from the person who originally owed it.
Example: My mom always puts out small Christmas statues that were keepsakes her grandmother gave her many years ago.
Kickstand
A metal rod that is attached to a bicycle or motorcycle, which helps it stand up when not in use.
Example: After riding the bike I received for Christmas, I forgot to put the kickstand down, and my bike fell to the ground.
Kid
A child or a young person but can also reference a young goat.
Example: It is always fun to remember when I was a kid and how much I loved Christmas.
Kids
The plural form of kid meaning several young children or multiple young goats.
Example: The kids were so excited about Christmas that they had trouble falling asleep, and all ended up falling asleep around the tree in the living room.
Kin
A person’s family or relatives, or being related to one another.
Example: Though we may not see each other much throughout the year, we can count on all our kin to gather and celebrate the holidays every Christmas.
Kinara
It is a candleholder for seven candles, often used in the celebration festival or Kwanza.
Example: Every Christmas, we take time to learn more about other holiday celebrations worldwide and teach us more about Kwanza; our mom bought a Kinara.
Kind
A group of things or people with similar characteristics or a pleasant, likable character.
Example: After meeting with Mrs. Claus, I instantly knew she was very kind and would share what I wanted for Christmas with Santa.
Kindheartedness
Someone or something that has or demonstrates a sympathetic nature.
Example: The kindheartedness of Mrs. Claus ensured the elves at Santa’s workshop were well taken care of.
Kindliness
The quality of being kind, gentle, or warmhearted.
Example: Kevin was touched by the kindliness of his neighbors when they brought him Christmas dinner after his surgery.
Kindness
The quality or state of being kind.
Example: Treating people with kindness and respect is one of the best ways to get on Santa’s Nice List.
Kindred
A group of related individuals, or people, or things of a similar nature or character.
Example: All the elves are kindred spirits, which is why they get along so well.
Kindly
In a kind manner or of a sympathetic or generous nature.
Example: We were so surprised at Timmy’s manners when he asked his little sister, “To kindly pass the mashed potatoes” at Christmas dinner.
King
A male ruler of an independent state or country typically acquired or inherited through the right of birth, or “Good King Wenceslas,” a Christmas carol sharing a story of a Bohemian king heading out on a journey.
Example: The peasant led the disoriented king back to his castle and was asked to stay for Christmas dinner.
Kings
The plural of a king and can mean the plural of the most essential or respected member of a group of animals.
Example: Dad knew his Christmas present was missing pieces because the chess set was missing one of its two kings.
Kiss
To touch your lips to someone or something as a sign of love or greeting.
Example: It was a Christmas tradition for my parents to kiss under the mistletoe hanging in the hallway.
Kissable
Capable of being kissed, or something that is attractive and welcoming to being kissed.
Example: The baby was so kissable that no one at the Christmas party could resist the temptation and kissed the baby on the forehead.
Kissing
The act of caressing someone or something with your lips.
Example: I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus under the mistletoe, but then I realized it was dad in a Santa suit.
Kit
A set of items or equipment used to create something or to serve a specific purpose.
Example: For Christmas, the boys got model airplane kits they could put together to create replicas of World War II aircraft.
Kitchen
A room or area of the home where food is kept and prepared.
Example: Mom spends most of her time in the kitchen preparing Christmas dinner and then joins the rest of the family in the living room to open presents.
Kite
A light-framed toy with thin material stretched over it and has a tail that can be flown in the wind attached to a long string.
Example: I was bummed it was cold and snowy out on Christmas Day because I could not take my new kite out to see how well it flew.
Kitschy
Art or objects that are considered to be in poor taste because of excessive embellishments but can be appreciated in ironic ways.
Example: Though kitschy, ugly sweaters have become an iconic part of Christmas celebrations, and even though they can be unsightly and in poor taste, the excessive decorations and designs make them desirable during this time of year.
Kitten
A young cat or the term given to cats when they are first born.
Example: The kitten was so adorable that I could not help but cuddle with it by the fire on Christmas Day morning with a book and hot cocoa.
Kittenish
To act in a playful, lively, or flirtatious manner.
Example: The kids had a kittenish quality to their voice when they were getting ready to go play outside in the snow after opening their Christmas presents.
Knead
To work moistened flour into dough with the hands by massaging or squeezing.
Example: To get the dinner rolls ready, mom and I kneaded the dough to make homemade dinner rolls for our annual Christmas dinner.
Kneel
To be in a position that puts the body upright but supported by resting on the knees, such as praying or showing submission.
Example: I was too tall, so I had to kneel down in front of the others in our Christmas photo to be upfront with the other kids in the family.
Knickers
Loose-fitting trousers that reach and gather at the knee or calf, or short underpants often worn by women or girls underneath skirts and dresses.
Example: We had an old-fashioned Christmas, and mom encouraged everyone to wear knickers so we could take a period-looking family photo.
Knife
An instrument made up of a blade fixed into a handle that can be used for cutting or as a weapon.
Example: Dad’s duty every Christmas was to cut the ham, but he had to sharpen the knife this year before cutting it.
Knit
To make a garment or blanket using a series of interlocking loops of wool or other yarn using knitting needles or a machine.
Example: I fell in love with the knit sweater my parents gave me for Christmas. It was so soft and cuddly I wondered which type of wool it was made from.
Knock
To strike a surface noisily in an attempt to gain someone’s attention, such as letting someone know you are at their front door or a sudden short sound caused by a blow or collision.
Example: There was a soft knock at the door, and it was a puppy that our parents surprised us with as part of our Christmas presents.
Knowing
Showing or demonstrating that someone has extensive knowledge or awareness of things that might be a secret or only a few people know the information or something that is done in full consciousness and understanding of what a person is doing.
Example: When it comes to who is naughty or nice at Christmas, Santa is all-knowing, but Mrs. Claus may also know.
Knows
To be aware of something based on careful observation, information, and inquiry, or to have developed a relationship with another person through meeting and spending plenty of time getting to know that person.
Example: I always wondered how Santa knew when I was sleeping and when I was awake; it was always kind of creepy, but I still always behaved because I didn’t want to risk losing any Christmas presents.
Koala
A bearlike, arboreal Australian marsupial with thick gray fur that eats eucalyptus leaves.
Example: My favorite animal is a Koala bear, which is why every year, under the Christmas tree, I can expect several gifts to be Koala themed.
Krampus
A popular Central European legend featuring a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmas, often entering homes to retrieve any presents left under the tree.
Example: We tried to use the legend of Krampus to scare my little brother into behaving before Christmas, but he never feared that Santa would not come and Krampus would visit instead.
Kris
The first part of Kris Kringle, another name used to refer to Santa Claus, especially in German cultures as a variation of the German Christkind (Christ Child), and believed to bring gifts to children in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Example: The legend of Kris Kringle is popular in Germany but also shared here in the United States as part of traditional Christmas celebrations.
Kringle
The second part of Kris Kringle, another name used to refer to Santa Claus, along with other terms, including Saint Nicolas, Father Christmas, or Saint Nick, believed to bring the good boys and girls gifts and candy on Christmas Eve and coal to those on his naughty list.
Example: This year, to be cute, my brothers and sisters decided to address our letters to Santa as “Dear Kris Kringle.”
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
50 Christmas Words That Start With J (List With Meanings)
