Relatively few festive terms commence with the eleventh letter of the alphabet. Examples include “Kris Kringle,” a synonym for Santa Claus, derived from the German “Christkindl,” meaning “Christ child.” Another example is “kallikantzaroi,” mischievous goblins from Greek folklore believed to appear during the twelve days of Christmas.
While not numerous, these terms enrich the holiday lexicon and offer glimpses into diverse cultural traditions. “Kris Kringle,” for instance, connects modern celebrations to older European origins. Knowledge of such terms can deepen one’s appreciation for the multifaceted nature of the holiday season and its global expressions. They can also be valuable for word games, festive quizzes, or simply expanding vocabulary.
