Holiday vs. Christmas — What's the Difference?

Holiday is a broad term encompassing any period of time set aside for rest, celebration, or observance. For example, public holidays, such as New Year's Day, allow people to take a break from their usual routines. Christmas, however, is a specific holiday celebrated on December 25th by Christians worldwide to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

While holiday can refer to various cultural, national, or religious observances, Christmas is a particular religious holiday with unique traditions like decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and attending church services. For instance, Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States with a focus on gratitude and family gatherings, whereas Christmas involves specific religious and cultural practices.

Holiday can include vacations or breaks from work and school, providing people with time to relax or travel. In contrast, Christmas has a distinct cultural and religious significance, often associated with nativity scenes, caroling, and festive meals. For example, people might take a holiday to visit relatives or go on a trip, whereas Christmas celebrations are centered around specific traditions and rituals.

The term holiday is versatile and can apply to any special day or period, such as summer holidays or national holidays. Christmas, however, is a fixed date with deep religious roots, celebrated globally with various customs and rituals. For example, Independence Day is a national holiday in the United States celebrating the country's founding, while Christmas includes the story of Jesus' birth and traditions like gift-giving and family gatherings.