Words starting with “x” and relating to the Christmas holiday are uncommon in modern English. The letter “x” itself holds symbolic significance in Christian tradition, representing the Greek letter Chi, an abbreviation for Christ. While “Xmas” is sometimes used as a shorthand for Christmas, it stems from this abbreviation and not a true word beginning with “x” specific to the holiday.
The use of “Xmas” can be traced back to the 16th century. While sometimes perceived as secularizing the holiday, its roots lie in religious tradition. The practice of abbreviating Christ using “X” has a long history in religious texts and iconography. Understanding this history can provide valuable context for the usage of “X” in a Christmas context.