Another rant - the X in Xmas

A nun had explained it in a classroom that the X was supposed to symbolize a cross. My take on that was a cross looks more like a lower-cased T, but it has me thinking that whoever started that one wanted a capital letter, & since an X is in a sense, a cross, although on a slant, ... well - that was why it was chosen.

NOO NOOO..im sorry to tell you that xmas has nothing to do with taking Christ out of Christmas..I did so much research on this when this came up in another thread..aww hunn all it mean isIn our language "X" can stand for many things, including a kiss or something unknown. But "Xmas" doesn't mean that no one knows when Jesus was born. Xmas is simply a shorter way to say "Christmas." The "X" stands for Jesus, or Christ, and "mas" is a shortened form of the word "mass." But Xmas is also more than an abbreviation; it is an example of the way the first Christians tried to convey a great deal of meaning with very few letters.so all it really is is an abbreviation..i got my info here http://www.christmasplace.com/didyouknow/didyouknow_xmas.cfm?Lang= I use it sometimes myself.,,,just to shorten it,,and no way would i take christ out.but when typing especially its easier..

I completely agree with you. I don't undestand why people do that. It is and should be offensive to anyone who belives in Christ! MERRY CHRISTMAS to you sweetie!

Hmmm, I think X is a medieval abbreviation of the word "Christ". the X stands for the cross in which Jesus was crucified.

I'll be honest i occassionally use 'xmas' as well but more bcos of short-hand. Guess i didnt realise that there could be any signification to it. I think with the whole inception of 'sms' ppl have created their own language so to speak and with that, most get caught in a trap of always writing and speaking with short-hand. So much for spell bee's!!!

I was raised to believe thast 'xmas' was sacreligious, but just this year I was directed to a web site that told the real story. because i am new and may not paste i will type it for you. www.wilstar.net/xmas/xmassymb.htm this site has several symbols about christmas and what they mean/stand for. The greek word for Christ is Xristos.

It bugs me too, but technically "X" is how "Christ" is spelled in either Greek or Latin...can't remember which, it has been a looooong time since 4th grade. Anyhoo, I went to Christian school and that's where I learned that. Too bad I don't remember which language...

I agree with you. It's His holiday. That's what it's all about. When you take the Christ out of Christmas you have nothing. I too will not use the term Xmas.

I must say that I don't like it either, but I think it is up to the individual to use whatever they wish to use. I am sure people don't really meant to leave the Christ out of Christmas, they probably just think it is fashionable. Hope you have a great Christmas.

I am not really against other people using Xmas, as (like other people have also stated) I believe that the X can stand for Jesus or for the cross, although I would never use this myself. However what really annoys me is the use of the word Crimbo, which I haven't a clue what it means, but it is probably objectionable.

I agree. I've never liked to write X-mas.

what does the X in xmas mean anyway?

I don't really like it much either and usually write out Christmas. This may sound weird but as a kid I went to Catholic school. We were always yelled at for the use of Xmas for the very reason that you said, that it's taking the Christ out of Christmas. Sometimes I use "xmas" to be facetious I guess, although now that you've brought if up I guess that isn't really very nice.

I don't like certain abbreviations myself, but I have probably been guilty of writing "Xmas" for Christmas at times when I am in a hurry.

I just learned this Christmas that the X actually means something relating to Christ. Unfortunately, I find that X has a negative connotation. When a test paper is marked, an X is written for incorrect answers. I don't care whether it is justified, I don't like it. I don't like short forms in general. Even when addressing envelopes I will write the state or province out in full. I suppose I should be writing out Missus and Mister too. LOL! I just don't like care for short forms. And the one for Christmas (I can't even write it) really grates on me.

I've always been taught that 'Xmas' means the same as Christmas, and being brought up in such a strict Greek Orthodox background, I don't think I would've escaped writing 'Xmas' anywhere...I was taught that the 'X' stands for the cross on which Jesus was crucified.