Dictionary

midnight mass: A Catholic service that is held on Christmas Eve and carries over the midnight hour into Christmas Day.

mistletoe: A shrub with green leaves and small white berries, used as a Christmas decorations and imbued with romantic qualities. Two people who find themselves standing under a sprig of mistletoe are supposed to kiss.

mulled cider: A hot drink made with apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

mulled wine: A hot alcoholic beverage, usually made with red wine, honey and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

nativity: A tableau depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, usually featuring the baby Jesus in a manger, his mother Mary, father Joseph and the Three Wise Men.

noel: A term of French derivation that refers to Christmas or the Christmas season.

North Pole: In Christmas folklore, the snowy locale where Santa Claus, his elves and his reindeer supposedly live.

nutcracker: A tool used to open hard nuts. The Nutcracker is a ballet by Tchaikovsky that is traditionally staged at Christmas, the time season depicted in the ballet.