Christmas Day

Definition

The day on which Christmas is celebrated. It is December 25 in the West, and January 7 in some Eastern Orthodox churches.

Etymology

From Middle English Cristemasse day, from Old English Cristes mæssedæġ (“Christmas Day”, literally “day of Christ's mass”). Now equivalent to Christmas + day.

Example Sentences

• "When Christmas Day falls upon a Saturday (as it did in 1736,) the Collect, Epistle and Gospel for St. Stephen's Day follows of Course, and no Notice is taken of the Sunday after Christmas Day"