Christmas is a fantastic time of year, and it offers families many opportunities to enjoy time together. Some fun activities can also be a learning experience for children, helping them expand their vocabulary by discussing the many Christmas words used to describe the holiday.
Here’s a list of Christmas words that start with the letter T, including their meanings:
Table
A piece of furniture with a flat, level top and one or more legs is often used to place objects on, such as a coffee table or a dining room table.
Example: Christmas dinner was almost ready, so my brothers, sisters, and I set the table so we could all sit down and enjoy an old-fashioned meal together.
Tannenbaum
The German term for a fir tree that is often used as a Christmas tree.
Example: Every Christmas, as part of our family holiday tradition, we sing “O Tannenbaum,” an old German carol.
Tasty
Food with a pleasant and distinct flavor or something very attractive or appealing.
Example: The turkey we had for Christmas dinner was flavorful and tasty; I had to return and get seconds.
Tasteful
Something that shows good aesthetic judgment or appropriate behavior.
Example: When dressing for Midnight Mass, mom had to remind my rebellious younger sister to find an appropriate and tasteful outfit.
Teddy Bear
A soft, stuffed toy bear.
Example: Every year for Christmas, one of the presents I get from my parents is a teddy bear with the year embroidered on its foot.
Temple
A building used for religious purposes to worship gods and goddesses, especially in religions other than Christianity.
Example: The Church of Jesus Christ is one of my favorite places to walk by during Christmas because the temple is always magically decorated.
Tenderness
To have gentleness or kindness or intense sensitivity to pain.
Example: The tenderness Katie showed toward the children showed when she brought them a lot of presents and created the ultimate Christmas party for them while their parents were out of town.
Thankful
Being pleased or relieved; or expressing gratitude.
Example: During the holiday season, I am very thankful I can see my entire family as we gather on Christmas Eve.
Thoughtful
Being deeply absorbed in thought; or showing consideration for the feelings of others.
Example: Grandma said the gift we bought her for Christmas was very thoughtful, and it must have taken us a lot of time to make.
Thoughtfulness
The state of being caught in deep thought or having an immense consideration for the feelings of others.
Example: Santa’s generosity and thoughtfulness are always appreciated and are one of the best things about Christmas.
Three (Kings)
The wise men who traveled to see Baby Jesus the night he was born in Bethlehem.
Example: The Magi, also known as the Three Kings, brought presents for Baby Jesus and knelt before him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Tidings
News or information.
Example: The bearer of glad tidings is always welcomed to our home, primarily when the good news is delivered on Christmas Day.
Tin (Soldier)
A toy in the shape of a soldier made from tin or other metal.
Example: I love looking at antique toys, including those made from tin, and the tin soldier is my favorite.
Tinsel
Strips of decorations are typically made of thin pieces of metallic foil and are often used to decorate the Christmas tree.
Example: Now that all the decorations and lights are on the Christmas tree, it is time to add some colorful tinsel to make it shimmer.
Tiny
Something or someone that is very small.
Example: The Christmas tree looked tiny when we put it up in the living room of our new home, which had vaulted ceilings.
Tim
A character in Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.”
Example: Tiny Tim in “A Christmas Carol” is an inspirational character; when I read the book, I am always inspired to be happy and look on the brighter side of life.
‘Tis
Contraction for it is.
Example: ‘Tis the season to be happy and merry and to gather with friends and family to celebrate Christmas.
Toasting
To cook something, such as bread, until it is brown, or to drink to the health or in honor of someone.
Example: It was almost time for our Christmas toasting activity, where we drank to everyone’s health and made wishes for the new year.
Toboggan
A long narrow sled that is used for sliding down a snow-covered hill.
Example: It was hard to miss the toboggan under the Christmas tree, and I was excited to see it was snowing out and I did not have to wait to ride it.
Togetherness
The state of being close to another person or other people.
Example: I love Christmas and the togetherness we feel when our family comes together for dinner and presents.
Toy
An object designed for a child to play with, often a model or a smaller replica of something.
Example: My brother was so excited when he opened the toy train he received from Santa Claus, and now every year, he puts it around our Christmas tree.
Toys
The plural form of toy, meaning multiple objects that children play with.
Example: Every Christmas, we expect toys from Santa Claus and clothing from our parents.
Toyland
An imaginary land that is inhabited by living toys.
Example: I always thought it would be fun to go to Toyland until I grew up and realized it was a fictional place featured in one of my favorite Christmas shows.
Tradition
Something that is done every year and passed down for future generations to enjoy.
Example: Our Christmas tradition is to open presents in the morning, head out, and go sledding down the big hill at the end of our block.
Traditional
Something that exists as part of a long-established tradition.
Example: It was always traditional that we gathered at grandma’s for Christmas dinner, but she didn’t want to cook this year, so instead, mom is cooking dinner.
Traditionally
Being a part of a long-established tradition, custom, practice, or belief.
Example: Traditionally, we go sledding on Christmas Day morning, but the weather was warm, and it caused the snow to melt overnight.
Traffic
The vehicles moving on a road or highway.
Example: Traffic was so bad it took us more than an hour to drive to grandma and grandpa’s, and I thought we would miss Christmas dinner.
Train
A series of railroad cars moving along a set of tracks pulled by a locomotive or integral engine.
Example: Our Christmas tree turned out amazing this year, and we added to the decorations by setting up a train that circled the entire base of the tree.
Tranquility
The state of being calm and tranquil.
Example: The hum of the Christmas carolers off in the distance enhanced the tranquility of the night as we sat on the porch watching the snowfall.
Travel
To go from one place to another, typically over a significant distance.
Example: It has been almost a year since I have seen my cousins, and I am looking forward to flying out to see them for Christmas, but I am not looking forward to the heavy travel crowds this time of year.
Treat
An event or an item that is not expected, out of the ordinary, or gives great pleasure.
Example: Every Christmas, my uncle brings us sweet treats, and mom always yells at him for spoiling our appetite before dinner.
Tree
A woody plant typically with one single stem or trunk that grows down into the ground with roots to collect nutrition and water.
Example: Our Christmas tree is looking fantastic this year, and I am excited we went with the red, green, and gold color scheme this year.
Trimming
A decoration, typically for clothing or small pieces trimmed off of something.
Example: We saved the trimmings from our Christmas tree, and I used them to make a festive holiday potpourri.
Trip
To catch your foot and stumble over something or lose your footing can be the act of going from one place to another.
Example: There were so many Christmas presents under the tree, dad almost tripped over them when he tried to walk through the living room.
Trips
The act of traveling between locations multiple times, such as taking several trips to get the groceries in the house from the car.
Example: When grandma and grandpa arrived, it took us five trips to get all the Christmas presents from their car into the house.
Triumphantly
To do something in a manner that shows immense happiness or joy at a victory.
Example: After skiing, we triumphantly returned home, knowing that no one had broken their leg before traveling to grandma and grandpa.
Trumpets
A brass musical instrument with a flared bell that creates a bright and penetrating tone.
Example: When the mayor arrived at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the town square, the trumpets sounded off, announcing his arrival.
Trumpeting
The act of playing the trumpet or proclaiming something loudly.
Example: Sam was trumpeting his school grades to everyone who came over for Christmas dinner because he was so proud of his achievements.
Turkey
A large North American game bird used as food for special occasions, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Example: Dad wanted a ham, and mom wanted a turkey for Christmas dinner, so instead of picking one, they cooked both.
Turtle Doves
It is a small old-world dove that creates a soft purring sound and is known for the affection it shows its mate.
Example: I wonder what I would do with two turtle doves if that were to be one of the gifs I received for the 12 Days of Christmas.
Twelve (Days of Christmas)
The time between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, and is also a popular Christmas carol.
Example: My parents love to sing the “12 Days of Christmas” every year, but my siblings and I prefer to sing the “12 Pains of Christmas.”
Twinkling
Shining bright with a sparkle that changes randomly from bright to faint and back again.
Example: The Christmas lights were twinkling on the tree that looked magical as the snow fell around it.
Twilight
The soft glowing light created in the sky when the sun has fallen below the horizon, but still provides light to the sky.
Example: Everyone gathered in front of our home at twilight, and we waited for dad to turn on the Christmas lights.
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