‘Tis the season to be jolly

16 Dez 2019       ILC Leiria

It's time to look at a few idioms that are connected to some Christmas traditions.

There are quite a few idioms and sayings in the English language and their origins come from a variety of places. Obviously, the Christmas season could not be left out and there are a number of expressions which can be connected to this holiday.
Here are some with a brief explanation of what they mean and an example of their usage in an everyday situation.

Christmas comes but once a year = used as an excuse for over indulgence, whether on food or on gifts, on the basis that it doesn’t happen often
e.g. I’ve already had a whole box of chocolates…Oh well… Christmas comes but once a year!

To be no angel = sometimes behave badly
e.g. Her little brother is adorable, but apparently he’s no angel!

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth = don’t be ungrateful when you receive a present, even if it’s not exactly what you wanted
e.g. Grandma, socks again?!… I guess I shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

The more the merrier = the more people or things there are, the better a given situation will be
e.g. We’ve already invited 20 people for Christmas dinner, but of course you can bring your in-laws. The more, the merrier!

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle = don’t get stressed out trying to make Christmas perfect
e.g. Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle, mom... Christmas will be great no matter what you make for dessert!

Tis the season to be jolly so Happy Holidays everyone!