Is the novel you’re writing set at Christmas time? Do you need some thoughts on how to describe Christmas in a story? Check out the 10 words we’re curated below and get some ideas on how you can use them in your book!
1. Magical
Definition
Enchanting, otherworldly; evoking wonder and awe.
Examples
“Joan had done everything she could to make Christmas magical for her children despite her limited funds.”
“The twinkling lights and festive decorations made the town square feel like a magical Christmas wonderland.”
How it Adds Description
The word “magical” conjures images of sparkling lights, warm hearths, and a sense of wonder and enchantment. By creating a feeling of magic, it can establish an atmosphere of hope, joy, and excitement that can draw the reader in and keep them engaged. This can set the tone for a holiday scene or even the entire story.
2. Nostalgic
Definition
Reminiscent, sentimental; denoting happy memories of the past.
Examples
“The family shared stories from previous Christmases, feeling nostalgic for the good old days.”
“The sight of the old ornaments on the tree made Hannah nostalgic for her childhood in New England.
How it Adds Description
The word “nostalgic,” provides depth to the character’s emotional state. It implies a longing or wistfulness for a past time or experience, suggesting that the character feels a sense of loss or sadness. This description can create empathy and connection with the reader or audience, as they relate to the character’s feelings.
3. Joyless
Definition
Cheerless, bleak; lacking happiness.
Examples
“Her Christmas was joyless after having so recently lost her husband in a shocking incident of violence.”
“Another joyless Christmas alone in space was not something the stranded astronaut was looking forward to experiencing.”
How it Adds Description
The word “joyless” suggests that something is missing or wrong. This could motivate a character to seek out the source of their unhappiness, leading to a quest or journey or it might create a contrast with other characters who are enjoying the holiday, highlighting differences in values or beliefs that could lead to conflict or resolution.
4. Festive
Definition
Celebratory, colorful; appropriate for a festival or holiday.
Examples
“The town square was filled with festive decorations, the sounds of music, and children’s laughter.”
“The family dressed up in festive clothing and gathered around the table for a Christmas meal.”
How it Adds Description
The word “festive” evokes a vivid and lively description of the holiday season. It implies a sense of joy, cheerfulness, and celebration that is inherent to the occasion. It can serve as a literary device to contrast with the darker elements of a story, highlighting the contrast between light and dark, joy and sorrow.
5. Disappointing
Definition
Unsatisfying, underwhelming; failing to meet expectancies.
Examples
“The lack of presents under the Christmas tree was disappointing for everyone but they’d had no time to replace what was stolen.”
“Arnold opted to go hiking rather than attending another disappointing Christmas gathering at his sister’s house.”
How it Adds Description
The word “disappointing” communicates a sense of sadness or letdown, suggesting that something was out of place or didn’t live up to its potential. It can be used to introduce a problem that must be resolved or drives a character’s behavior, adding more depth and complexity to the story that engages the reader.
6. Peaceful
Definition
Calm, tranquil; free from disturbance.
Examples
“The snow-covered landscape created a peaceful backdrop for the Christmas celebration.”
“After a hectic year, the family enjoyed a peaceful Christmas together as snow fell outside.”
How it Adds Description
The word “peaceful” illustrates a holiday season that is serene and restful. It indicates a joyous celebration of the holiday, which creates an expectation that the story will unfold in a positive and heartwarming way. It can foster a sense of anticipation in the reader regarding whether things will remain calm, or chaos will ensue once the holidays have passed.
7. Hopeful
Definition
Optimistic, expectant; having trust or confidence in the future.
Examples
“The family gathered around the table, sharing hopeful Christmas wishes for the coming year.”
“As they lit the candles on the menorah, they felt a hopeful sense of renewal and rebirth.”
How it Adds Description
The word “hopeful” evokes a sense of optimism and anticipation associated with the season. This can set spark curiosity in the reader, who might want to know what the characters are hoping for or what their plans for the holiday might be. It can convey a range of emotions and themes, such as joy, renewal, and faith, which are often associated with the Christmas season.
8. Heartwarming
Definition
Touching, moving; creating warmth and affection.
Examples
“The family watched as Tim performed a heartwarming Christmas song despite his illness.”
“As they exchanged Christmas gifts, the family members felt a heartwarming appreciation for one another.”
How it Adds Description
Using the word “heartwarming” adds the warmth, love, and happiness that the holiday brings to people’s lives. This, in turn, helps to establish the mood of the story and provides insight into the characters’ emotional states. It serves as a useful tool in storytelling, providing valuable context and evoking emotion in the reader.
9. Lonely
Definition
Isolated, alone; without companionship.
Examples
“The lonely figure on the park bench watched families enjoying their Christmas celebrations.”
“The empty house made her feel lonely and sad on Christmas, but she did the best she could to enjoy her day.”
How it Adds Description
Describing Christmas as “lonely” imparts that a character is experiencing a sense of isolation or disconnection during what is typically a festive and social holiday. It hints at potential conflicts or challenges, such as being far away from loved ones or feeling emotionally distant from those around them. This creates a sense of expectation and can foreshadow future events.
10. Bright
Definition
Radiant, shining; giving off or reflecting light.
Examples
“The Christmas tree sparkled with bright lights and glittering ornaments that reflected in the mirror beside the tree.”
“As the sun rose on Christmas morning, the snow-covered landscape was bathed in a bright, golden light.”
How it Adds Description
The word “bright” describes a cheerful and colorful atmosphere with twinkling lights, glittering ornaments, and glowing fireplaces. It creates a contrast between the darkness of the winter season and the brightness of the holiday and adds descriptive elements to the story that can play an essential role in shaping the narrative and conveying its themes.