Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is Scrooge because #onthisday (19th Dec) in 1843 Dickens published "A Christmas Carol". #etymology #history 🧵🎄📚
a close up of a man 's face with the words bah humbug below him
ALT: a close up of a man 's face with the words bah humbug below him
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December 19, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is Scrooge because #onthisday (19th Dec) in 1843 Dickens published "A Christmas Carol". #etymology #history 🧵🎄📚
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is wreath.
The first decoration up in my house every December is the wreath on the front door but the earliest wreaths weren’t Christian. They were symbols of victory and power in Greece and Rome. #etymology #history 🧵🎄💙📚
The first decoration up in my house every December is the wreath on the front door but the earliest wreaths weren’t Christian. They were symbols of victory and power in Greece and Rome. #etymology #history 🧵🎄💙📚
December 3, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is wreath.
The first decoration up in my house every December is the wreath on the front door but the earliest wreaths weren’t Christian. They were symbols of victory and power in Greece and Rome. #etymology #history 🧵🎄💙📚
The first decoration up in my house every December is the wreath on the front door but the earliest wreaths weren’t Christian. They were symbols of victory and power in Greece and Rome. #etymology #history 🧵🎄💙📚
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is cards.
Card, entered English in the 1400s via Old French carte (playing card) from Medieval Latin carta (card, paper, charter) and ultimately from Greek khartēs (papyrus). #etymology #history 🧵🎄
Card, entered English in the 1400s via Old French carte (playing card) from Medieval Latin carta (card, paper, charter) and ultimately from Greek khartēs (papyrus). #etymology #history 🧵🎄
December 10, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is cards.
Card, entered English in the 1400s via Old French carte (playing card) from Medieval Latin carta (card, paper, charter) and ultimately from Greek khartēs (papyrus). #etymology #history 🧵🎄
Card, entered English in the 1400s via Old French carte (playing card) from Medieval Latin carta (card, paper, charter) and ultimately from Greek khartēs (papyrus). #etymology #history 🧵🎄
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is shepherd.
While an angelic choir and three magi are the most impressive visitors to the stable in Bethlehem, the shepherds were minding their flocks in the hills above the town. #etymology #carols #history 🧵🎄
While an angelic choir and three magi are the most impressive visitors to the stable in Bethlehem, the shepherds were minding their flocks in the hills above the town. #etymology #carols #history 🧵🎄
December 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is shepherd.
While an angelic choir and three magi are the most impressive visitors to the stable in Bethlehem, the shepherds were minding their flocks in the hills above the town. #etymology #carols #history 🧵🎄
While an angelic choir and three magi are the most impressive visitors to the stable in Bethlehem, the shepherds were minding their flocks in the hills above the town. #etymology #carols #history 🧵🎄
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is gingerbread.
Gingerbread entered the English language in the late 1200s, spelled as gingerbrar from Old French ginginbrat (ginger preserve) and Medieval Latin gingimbratus (gingered).
#etymology #ChristmasHistory 🧵🎄
Gingerbread entered the English language in the late 1200s, spelled as gingerbrar from Old French ginginbrat (ginger preserve) and Medieval Latin gingimbratus (gingered).
#etymology #ChristmasHistory 🧵🎄
a gingerbread man is sitting on a tray with a sad look on his face
ALT: a gingerbread man is sitting on a tray with a sad look on his face
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December 15, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is gingerbread.
Gingerbread entered the English language in the late 1200s, spelled as gingerbrar from Old French ginginbrat (ginger preserve) and Medieval Latin gingimbratus (gingered).
#etymology #ChristmasHistory 🧵🎄
Gingerbread entered the English language in the late 1200s, spelled as gingerbrar from Old French ginginbrat (ginger preserve) and Medieval Latin gingimbratus (gingered).
#etymology #ChristmasHistory 🧵🎄
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is #Krampus because today, the 5th of December, is Krampus Night.
While St. Nicholas rewards good boys and girls, in Austria, a creature roams the streets. The Krampus captures the naughtiest children and whisks them away in his sack.
#etymology #folklore 🧵🎄💙📚
While St. Nicholas rewards good boys and girls, in Austria, a creature roams the streets. The Krampus captures the naughtiest children and whisks them away in his sack.
#etymology #folklore 🧵🎄💙📚
a shadow of a demon with horns and chains is coming out of a doorway .
ALT: a shadow of a demon with horns and chains is coming out of a doorway .
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December 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is #Krampus because today, the 5th of December, is Krampus Night.
While St. Nicholas rewards good boys and girls, in Austria, a creature roams the streets. The Krampus captures the naughtiest children and whisks them away in his sack.
#etymology #folklore 🧵🎄💙📚
While St. Nicholas rewards good boys and girls, in Austria, a creature roams the streets. The Krampus captures the naughtiest children and whisks them away in his sack.
#etymology #folklore 🧵🎄💙📚
Happy Christmas!
#ChristmasWordfoolery Gift - 1200s, from gipt in Old Norse.
#ChristmasWordfoolery Gift - 1200s, from gipt in Old Norse.
December 25, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Happy Christmas!
#ChristmasWordfoolery Gift - 1200s, from gipt in Old Norse.
#ChristmasWordfoolery Gift - 1200s, from gipt in Old Norse.
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is crib or creche.
We have Saint Francis of Assisi to thank for Christmas nativity scenes. In 1223 he selected a cave near Greccio, lay a baby on hay, alongside oxen and a donkey. People in the town arrived with torches and candles and St Francis gave the sermon. 🧵📚🎄
We have Saint Francis of Assisi to thank for Christmas nativity scenes. In 1223 he selected a cave near Greccio, lay a baby on hay, alongside oxen and a donkey. People in the town arrived with torches and candles and St Francis gave the sermon. 🧵📚🎄
December 9, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is crib or creche.
We have Saint Francis of Assisi to thank for Christmas nativity scenes. In 1223 he selected a cave near Greccio, lay a baby on hay, alongside oxen and a donkey. People in the town arrived with torches and candles and St Francis gave the sermon. 🧵📚🎄
We have Saint Francis of Assisi to thank for Christmas nativity scenes. In 1223 he selected a cave near Greccio, lay a baby on hay, alongside oxen and a donkey. People in the town arrived with torches and candles and St Francis gave the sermon. 🧵📚🎄
Today's word for #ChristmasWordfoolery is Boxing Day / St Stephen's Day.
Both relate to the 26th of December. Boxing Day is the more common term in Britain, while Saint Stephen’s Day is adhered to by most people living in Ireland.
#etymology #history 🧵🎄
Both relate to the 26th of December. Boxing Day is the more common term in Britain, while Saint Stephen’s Day is adhered to by most people living in Ireland.
#etymology #history 🧵🎄
December 26, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Today's word for #ChristmasWordfoolery is Boxing Day / St Stephen's Day.
Both relate to the 26th of December. Boxing Day is the more common term in Britain, while Saint Stephen’s Day is adhered to by most people living in Ireland.
#etymology #history 🧵🎄
Both relate to the 26th of December. Boxing Day is the more common term in Britain, while Saint Stephen’s Day is adhered to by most people living in Ireland.
#etymology #history 🧵🎄
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is carol.
Carol comes from Late Latin choraula (a choral song) and a Greek verb choraulein (to accompany a chorus on a reed instrument or flute).
#etymology #history 🧵🎄🎵
Carol comes from Late Latin choraula (a choral song) and a Greek verb choraulein (to accompany a chorus on a reed instrument or flute).
#etymology #history 🧵🎄🎵
a cartoon of peanuts singing merry christmas with a christmas tree in the background
ALT: a cartoon of peanuts singing merry christmas with a christmas tree in the background
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December 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is carol.
Carol comes from Late Latin choraula (a choral song) and a Greek verb choraulein (to accompany a chorus on a reed instrument or flute).
#etymology #history 🧵🎄🎵
Carol comes from Late Latin choraula (a choral song) and a Greek verb choraulein (to accompany a chorus on a reed instrument or flute).
#etymology #history 🧵🎄🎵
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is merry.
Merry is a delightful word with a long history. Middle English speakers spelled it mirie, and inherited it from myrge (pleasant, sweet, exciting feelings of gladness) in Old English. #etymology 🧵🎄📚
Merry is a delightful word with a long history. Middle English speakers spelled it mirie, and inherited it from myrge (pleasant, sweet, exciting feelings of gladness) in Old English. #etymology 🧵🎄📚
a snowman in a striped hat and scarf holds a sign that says merry christmas
ALT: a snowman in a striped hat and scarf holds a sign that says merry christmas
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December 4, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is merry.
Merry is a delightful word with a long history. Middle English speakers spelled it mirie, and inherited it from myrge (pleasant, sweet, exciting feelings of gladness) in Old English. #etymology 🧵🎄📚
Merry is a delightful word with a long history. Middle English speakers spelled it mirie, and inherited it from myrge (pleasant, sweet, exciting feelings of gladness) in Old English. #etymology 🧵🎄📚
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is pudding.
The origins of Christmas pudding pre-dates the Victorians. The first puddings were medieval sausages made with fat, spices, dried fruits, meat, grains, and vegetables packed into animal intestines for preservation purposes. #ChristmasHistory 🧵🎄📚 #etymology
The origins of Christmas pudding pre-dates the Victorians. The first puddings were medieval sausages made with fat, spices, dried fruits, meat, grains, and vegetables packed into animal intestines for preservation purposes. #ChristmasHistory 🧵🎄📚 #etymology
a christmas pudding with holly on top is on a blue and white plate
ALT: a christmas pudding with holly on top is on a blue and white plate
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December 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is pudding.
The origins of Christmas pudding pre-dates the Victorians. The first puddings were medieval sausages made with fat, spices, dried fruits, meat, grains, and vegetables packed into animal intestines for preservation purposes. #ChristmasHistory 🧵🎄📚 #etymology
The origins of Christmas pudding pre-dates the Victorians. The first puddings were medieval sausages made with fat, spices, dried fruits, meat, grains, and vegetables packed into animal intestines for preservation purposes. #ChristmasHistory 🧵🎄📚 #etymology
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is twixtmas.
You won’t find twixtmas formally accepted in traditional dictionaries, yet, but it is defined as the period between Christmas and New Year, typically the 27th to the 30th of December.
#etymology 🎄🧵
You won’t find twixtmas formally accepted in traditional dictionaries, yet, but it is defined as the period between Christmas and New Year, typically the 27th to the 30th of December.
#etymology 🎄🧵
December 27, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is twixtmas.
You won’t find twixtmas formally accepted in traditional dictionaries, yet, but it is defined as the period between Christmas and New Year, typically the 27th to the 30th of December.
#etymology 🎄🧵
You won’t find twixtmas formally accepted in traditional dictionaries, yet, but it is defined as the period between Christmas and New Year, typically the 27th to the 30th of December.
#etymology 🎄🧵
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is Santa because today, the 6th of December is St Nicholas Day.
When a man has as many aliases as Santa Claus he’s usually a criminal, but Santa is definitely on the Nice List. Let’s look at some of his names. #etymology 🧵📚🎄🎅
When a man has as many aliases as Santa Claus he’s usually a criminal, but Santa is definitely on the Nice List. Let’s look at some of his names. #etymology 🧵📚🎄🎅
a man in a green elf costume is saying `` santa 's coming '' in front of a christmas tree .
ALT: a man in a green elf costume is saying `` santa 's coming '' in front of a christmas tree .
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December 6, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is Santa because today, the 6th of December is St Nicholas Day.
When a man has as many aliases as Santa Claus he’s usually a criminal, but Santa is definitely on the Nice List. Let’s look at some of his names. #etymology 🧵📚🎄🎅
When a man has as many aliases as Santa Claus he’s usually a criminal, but Santa is definitely on the Nice List. Let’s look at some of his names. #etymology 🧵📚🎄🎅
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is solstice.
Solstice entered the English language in the mid 1200s via Old French from Latin’s solstitium - the point at which the sun seems to stand still. That was compounded from sol (sun) and the verb sistere (to stand still or take a stand). #etymology 🧵
Solstice entered the English language in the mid 1200s via Old French from Latin’s solstitium - the point at which the sun seems to stand still. That was compounded from sol (sun) and the verb sistere (to stand still or take a stand). #etymology 🧵
December 21, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is solstice.
Solstice entered the English language in the mid 1200s via Old French from Latin’s solstitium - the point at which the sun seems to stand still. That was compounded from sol (sun) and the verb sistere (to stand still or take a stand). #etymology 🧵
Solstice entered the English language in the mid 1200s via Old French from Latin’s solstitium - the point at which the sun seems to stand still. That was compounded from sol (sun) and the verb sistere (to stand still or take a stand). #etymology 🧵
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is gift.
Gift became an English word in the mid 1200s for “that which is given”, from Old Norse gift (gift or good luck). Old English also had gift (from similar Proto-Germanic sources) but it was only used for dowries. #etymology #history 🧵🎄
Gift became an English word in the mid 1200s for “that which is given”, from Old Norse gift (gift or good luck). Old English also had gift (from similar Proto-Germanic sources) but it was only used for dowries. #etymology #history 🧵🎄
a blue gift box with a yellow ribbon and bow
ALT: a blue gift box with a yellow ribbon and bow
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December 2, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is gift.
Gift became an English word in the mid 1200s for “that which is given”, from Old Norse gift (gift or good luck). Old English also had gift (from similar Proto-Germanic sources) but it was only used for dowries. #etymology #history 🧵🎄
Gift became an English word in the mid 1200s for “that which is given”, from Old Norse gift (gift or good luck). Old English also had gift (from similar Proto-Germanic sources) but it was only used for dowries. #etymology #history 🧵🎄
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is Hogmanay.
This particularly Scottish festival lasts from the 31st of December to the 2nd of January. The term may come from the Anglo-Saxon haleg monath (holy month) but others claim it’s from the Scandinavian term hoggo-nott (yule). #etymology 🧵
This particularly Scottish festival lasts from the 31st of December to the 2nd of January. The term may come from the Anglo-Saxon haleg monath (holy month) but others claim it’s from the Scandinavian term hoggo-nott (yule). #etymology 🧵
December 31, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is Hogmanay.
This particularly Scottish festival lasts from the 31st of December to the 2nd of January. The term may come from the Anglo-Saxon haleg monath (holy month) but others claim it’s from the Scandinavian term hoggo-nott (yule). #etymology 🧵
This particularly Scottish festival lasts from the 31st of December to the 2nd of January. The term may come from the Anglo-Saxon haleg monath (holy month) but others claim it’s from the Scandinavian term hoggo-nott (yule). #etymology 🧵
Today on #ChristmasWordfoolery it's Tipsy Eve and I blogged about it last year - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2024/12/23/h.... Cheers!
a mason jar filled with watermelon slices and limes
ALT: a mason jar filled with watermelon slices and limes
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December 23, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Today on #ChristmasWordfoolery it's Tipsy Eve and I blogged about it last year - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2024/12/23/h.... Cheers!
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is saturnalia because today (17th) is the first day of the festival.
Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture. We have him to thank for the word Saturday. The planet Saturn is named in honour of this god too but... 🧵🎄📚 #history
Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture. We have him to thank for the word Saturday. The planet Saturn is named in honour of this god too but... 🧵🎄📚 #history
an artist 's impression of the planet saturn and its moon mercury
ALT: an artist 's impression of the planet saturn and its moon mercury
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December 17, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is saturnalia because today (17th) is the first day of the festival.
Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture. We have him to thank for the word Saturday. The planet Saturn is named in honour of this god too but... 🧵🎄📚 #history
Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture. We have him to thank for the word Saturday. The planet Saturn is named in honour of this god too but... 🧵🎄📚 #history
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is St. Lucia Day. #etymology 🧵🎄📚🕯️#history #ChristmasTraditions
In Sweden one of the biggest celebrations is St Lucia’s Day on the December 13th (today). St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred in 304.
In Sweden one of the biggest celebrations is St Lucia’s Day on the December 13th (today). St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred in 304.
a woman with a wreath on her head stands in front of a crowd of people holding candles and a netflix logo
ALT: a woman with a wreath on her head stands in front of a crowd of people holding candles and a netflix logo
media.tenor.com
December 13, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is St. Lucia Day. #etymology 🧵🎄📚🕯️#history #ChristmasTraditions
In Sweden one of the biggest celebrations is St Lucia’s Day on the December 13th (today). St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred in 304.
In Sweden one of the biggest celebrations is St Lucia’s Day on the December 13th (today). St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred in 304.
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is The Yule Lads because in Iceland from the 12th of December (today), thirteen prank-loving troll-like characters come out to play. They are the Yule Lads (jólasveinarnir in Icelandic) and they visit children every night until Christmas Day. #etymology #folklore 🧵🎄📚
December 12, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is The Yule Lads because in Iceland from the 12th of December (today), thirteen prank-loving troll-like characters come out to play. They are the Yule Lads (jólasveinarnir in Icelandic) and they visit children every night until Christmas Day. #etymology #folklore 🧵🎄📚
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is The Day of the Little Candles.🧵🎄🕯️
The 7th of December is celebrated by Catholics around the world as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, but it is particularly popular in Columbia where is is known as the Day of Little Candles or Día de las Velitas ...
The 7th of December is celebrated by Catholics around the world as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, but it is particularly popular in Columbia where is is known as the Day of Little Candles or Día de las Velitas ...
three lit candles are sitting on top of rose petals in the dark .
ALT: three lit candles are sitting on top of rose petals in the dark .
media.tenor.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Today's #ChristmasWordfoolery is The Day of the Little Candles.🧵🎄🕯️
The 7th of December is celebrated by Catholics around the world as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, but it is particularly popular in Columbia where is is known as the Day of Little Candles or Día de las Velitas ...
The 7th of December is celebrated by Catholics around the world as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, but it is particularly popular in Columbia where is is known as the Day of Little Candles or Día de las Velitas ...
Historic fiction author @thehistorybits.bsky.social kindly hosted me on her blog this week where I explored the history of gingerbread and the meanings behind the lyrics of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". 🎄📚 #ChristmasWordfoolery
It's December!
And to get us in the Christmas spirit, I have a wonderful guest post from Grace Tierney, looking into the history of two of our greatest Christmas traditions.
And to get us in the Christmas spirit, I have a wonderful guest post from Grace Tierney, looking into the history of two of our greatest Christmas traditions.
Guest Post: The Festive History of Gingerbread and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Grace Tierney
It's December! And to get us in the Christmas spirit, I have a wonderful guest post from Grace Tierney, looking into the history of two of our greatest Christmas traditions.
historytheinterestingbits.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Historic fiction author @thehistorybits.bsky.social kindly hosted me on her blog this week where I explored the history of gingerbread and the meanings behind the lyrics of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". 🎄📚 #ChristmasWordfoolery
This week's blog about the word history of Advent - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2025/12/01/c.... I'll be sharing a Christmas #etymology daily in December. I mean, I did write an entire book on the subject - "Words Christmas Gave Us" #ChristmasWordfoolery 🎄📚💙
December 1, 2025 at 7:14 PM
This week's blog about the word history of Advent - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2025/12/01/c.... I'll be sharing a Christmas #etymology daily in December. I mean, I did write an entire book on the subject - "Words Christmas Gave Us" #ChristmasWordfoolery 🎄📚💙