Right now, in mid-December, we’re in one of the most festive times of the year. This season is a great opportunity to lighten the mood in your classroom and introduce festive idioms in your ESL classes.

Whether your students celebrate Christmas, New Year’s, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or simply enjoy the holiday atmosphere, learning these expressions can help strengthen their English skills while keeping lessons engaging and fun.

Here is a collection of 10 festive and holiday-related idioms you can teach your online ESL students. Each idiom includes a clear definition followed by an example you can adapt for different ESL levels.

1) In the holiday spirit

Definition: Feeling cheerful, festive, and excited because of a holiday or celebration.

Example: Everyone in the office is in the holiday spirit now that the decorations are up.

2) Tis the season

Definition: Used to say that a particular activity, feeling, or behaviour is typical at a certain festive time of year. (“Tis” comes from “it is.”)

Example: People are spending a lot of money right now. Tis the season for shopping.

3) Ring in the New Year

Definition: To celebrate the beginning of the new year.

Example: We’re ringing in the New Year with friends and good food.

4) New year, new beginnings

Definition: The idea that the new year is a fresh start and a chance to change habits or goals.

Example: I’m starting a new job in January. New year, new beginnings!

5) Eat, drink, and be merry

Definition: To enjoy food, drinks, and celebrations without worrying too much.

Example: During this festive season, just eat, drink, and be merry.

6) Spread holiday cheer

Definition: To share happiness, kindness, and positivity during a festive season.

Example: Volunteers spread holiday cheer by delivering gifts to families.

7) Party season

Definition: A time of year when many social events, celebrations, and gatherings happen.

Example: December is party season, so my weekends are packed!

8) Make a resolution

Definition: To make a promise to yourself, often at the start of the new year, to improve something.

Example: She made a resolution to practice English every day.

9) Go all out

Definition: To do something with maximum effort or enthusiasm, often for celebrations.

Example: They went all out with decorations for the festival.

10) A reason to celebrate

Definition: Something positive that justifies having a celebration.

Example: Finishing the year strong is a reason to celebrate.

We hope you’ll share these idioms with your online ESL classes! What’s your favourite festive idiom? Let us know in the comments below!