The X Isn’t Bad!
Have you ever seen people get upset, or even angry, when someone uses “Xmas” instead of “Christmas”? The fact is that using “Xmas” is not meant to remove Christ from Christmas. It isn’t a “war on Christmas”. That argument comes from not understanding the facts. The “X” in “Xmas” has historical and linguistic roots, and it’s not just a modern abbreviation for convenience. The use of “X” in “Xmas” dates back to early Christian times.
Historical Background
The “X” comes from the Greek letter “Chi,” which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός (Christos), meaning “Christ.” Early Christians used this symbol as a shorthand for Christ, combining it with “mas,” which is derived from the Old English word “mæsse,” meaning “mass” or “festival.” Therefore, “Xmas” is essentially a blend of “Chi” and “mass,” signifying the Mass of Christ.
Why It Became Popular
Historical Usage: The use of “X” to represent Christ has been common since at least the 16th century, and possibly earlier. It was frequently used in religious texts and church writings.
Print and Handwriting: During times when writing materials were scarce or expensive, abbreviations were commonly used to save space. “Xmas” was a convenient way to write “Christmas” without compromising its meaning.
Cultural Influence: Over time, “Xmas” gained widespread acceptance, especially in contexts where brevity was important, such as in headlines or advertisements.
Despite some misconceptions, “Xmas” is not a secular way to omit “Christ” from Christmas. Rather, it’s rooted in early Christian traditions and has been used by Christians for centuries. So why do some people get upset about the use of “Xmas” instead of “Christmas”?
Misunderstanding of Origins: Many people are not aware that the “X” in “Xmas” has historical Christian roots mentioned above. They might see it as an attempt to remove “Christ” from “Christmas” and make the holiday more secular.
Cultural and Religious Significance: For many, Christmas is a deeply religious and traditional holiday. Using the full term “Christmas” preserves its religious significance and honors the tradition. Some might feel that abbreviating it to “Xmas” diminishes its spiritual importance.
Commercialization Concerns: The abbreviation “Xmas” is often seen in commercial contexts, such as advertising and marketing. This association with commercialism can be off-putting for those who believe that the holiday should focus on spiritual or family values rather than consumerism.
Personal Preference: People have different preferences and sensitivities. Some may simply prefer the traditional spelling and feel that “Xmas” is too informal or lacks the warmth and reverence associated with “Christmas.”
While the debate over “Xmas” versus “Christmas” continues, it’s important to remember the historical and cultural contexts behind these terms. Respecting each other’s preferences and understanding the origins can help bridge the gap between different viewpoints.