20 Outdated Words about Christmas (and what they mean!)

 

In the yuletide season of times long past, gay carolers would joyfully gather, raising their voices to sing festive hymns like "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" and "Deck the Halls." Amidst the warmth of crackling logs and the aroma of evergreen tannenbaums, they heralded tidings of goodwill. Jolly old St. Nicholas, with his humble demeanor, would traverse nigh and far, spreading merriment. "Hark!" they would cry, "Here we come a-wassailing," with cups raised in wassail to eagerly partake in the celebrations. The meek and the mighty, rich and poor, would join the chorus, echoing the fa-la-la of timeless refrains. In this festive season, we remember the traditions of yore, cherishing the wights, both human and fantastical, that populate the rich tapestry of our Christmas tales.

WOW, that was really tough. How about this version?

During the Christmas season in the past, happy singers would gather to sing joyful songs like "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" and "Deck the Halls." They sang about good news and shared it with others, spreading happiness. Santa Claus, who is always happy and kind, would travel near and far, making people happy. They would all come together to celebrate, singing and drinking in joy. People of all kinds, from the humble to the powerful, joined in, singing familiar tunes like "fa-la-la." In this special time, we remember old traditions, appreciating the people and creatures from our Christmas stories. The warmth of the fireplace, the smell of Christmas trees, and the festive songs all make this season truly special.

Much easier, right? All English words are not created equal. Some words fall out of fashion as time goes by. So when you listen to old songs or watch old movies you might get easily confused. We're here to help!

1. Yule log

• Christmas Song: Various
• Meaning: A traditional log burned in the hearth during Christmas, symbolizing festive warmth and cheer.
• Modern Phrasing: Festive fireplace log

2. Yore

• Christmas Song: Various
• Meaning: A poetic term meaning a time long ago, often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
• Modern Phrasing: Long ago or in the past

3. Gay

• Christmas Song: Deck the Halls
• Meaning: Originally signifying festivity or merriment, this word has evolved, but in older songs, it meant being joyful.
• Modern Phrasing: Merry or joyful

4. Ye

• Christmas Song: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
• Meaning: An archaic form of "you," appearing in some carols with historical charm.
• Modern Phrasing: You

5. Jolly Old St. Nicholas

• Christmas Song: Jolly Old St. Nicholas
• Meaning: Describing a merry and happy St. Nicholas, emphasizing joyous merriment.
• Modern Phrasing: Cheerful St. Nicholas

6. Hark

• Christmas Song: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
• Meaning: Meaning to pay close attention or listen, often used to draw attention to important announcements.
• Modern Phrasing: Listen

7. Meek

• Christmas Song: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
• Meaning: A term conveying humility or modesty, reflecting on the gentle and unassuming.
• Modern Phrasing: Humble or modest

8. Wassail

• Christmas Song: Here We Come A-Wassailing
• Meaning: Referring to festive drinking and salutations, often associated with joyful toasts during celebrations.
• Modern Phrasing: Celebratory toasts

9. Tidings

• Christmas Song: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
• Meaning: Old-fashioned for news or information, typically heralding positive updates or announcements.
• Modern Phrasing: News or updates

10. Hither

• Christmas Song: Angels We Have Heard on High
• Meaning: An archaic term meaning here or to this place, evoking a sense of arrival.
• Modern Phrasing: Here or to this place

11. Tannenbaum

• Christmas Song: O Tannenbaum
• Meaning: A German term for Christmas tree, celebrating the evergreen symbol of the season.
• Modern Phrasing: Christmas tree

12. Fain

• Christmas Song: I Saw Three Ships
• Meaning: Conveying gladness or willingness, expressing a joyful and eager spirit.
• Modern Phrasing: Willingly

13. Ere

• Christmas Song: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
• Meaning: An archaic word meaning before, used to indicate an earlier time.
• Modern Phrasing: Before

14. Nigh

• Christmas Song: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
• Meaning: An archaic term meaning near or close, often used to describe the proximity of events.
• Modern Phrasing: Near or close

15. O'er

• Christmas Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem
• Meaning: An abbreviation of "over," commonly used in older songs for poetic effect.
• Modern Phrasing: Over

16. Wassailers

• Christmas Song: Here We Come A-Wassailing
• Meaning: Referring to carolers or participants in festive drinking rituals, often spreading joy through song.
• Modern Phrasing: Carolers or celebrants

17. Fa-la-la

• Christmas Song: Deck the Halls
• Meaning: A nonsensical refrain in traditional carols, adding a whimsical and musical element.
• Modern Phrasing: Musical refrain

18. Yuletide

• Christmas Song: Various
• Meaning: Referring to the Christmas season, encompassing the festive and joyful spirit.
• Modern Phrasing: Christmas season

19. Tiding

• Christmas Song: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
• Meaning: An older form of "tidings," conveying news or information, often with a positive connotation.
• Modern Phrasing: News or updates

20. Wight

• Christmas Song: I Saw Three Ships
• Meaning: An archaic term referring to a person or creature, often used in older literature and songs.
• Modern Phrasing: Person or being