Is it wrong to say "Xmas" instead of "Christmas"?

Contrary to popular belief, there's nothing wrong with saying "Xmas" instead of "Christmas." Some people would like to think that the word "Xmas" is a part of a grand conspiracy to take Christ out of Christmas. While it is true that there are some people who will use "Xmas" in that way, the reason for the X being there has nothing to do with any "war on Christmas" or secret purpose to obscure the name of Christ.

In the original language of the New Testament, the word for "Christ" begins with the Greek letter chi, which basically looks like the English letter X. "Christ" in Greek looks like this: Χριστός. Dating back to the 16th century, people started using "Xmas" as a shorthand for "Christmas" because the X stands for "Christ." In fact, if you start looking into historical symbols used within the Christian church over the centuries, you'll find that using X as a symbol for the name of Christ is pretty common. Simple as that!

So the next time someone tries to snidely say "Xmas" to you, thinking they're seriously offending your faith, you can smile, reply with, "Merry Xmas!" and inwardly chuckle at the fact that they actually just said the name of Christ anyway. LOL (Boo on you, haters.)

TL;DR

Nope. Say Xmas all you want—you'll still be saying "Christmas."

Writer/Editor: Catiana (Cat)

Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.

PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this comment section is to encourage healthy Christian community for teens around the world. All comments are moderated, so yours will show up as "awaiting moderation" every time. (Sorry!) ALL bullying, hateful, or misleading comments WILL be deleted. Jerks will be banned. (Not sorry.) Views/opinions expressed by commenters do not necessarily reflect those of 412teens.org or Got Questions Ministries.

Want to ask your own question?

click this