holiday cheer

USAGE SUMMARY

"holiday cheer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression generally used to refer to the positive and joyful spirit of the holiday season. For example, "The family was filled with holiday cheer as they opened presents on Christmas morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not exactly holiday cheer.

The New York Times - Travel

So much for holiday cheer.

The New York Times

And everyone danced with holiday cheer.

The New York Times - Arts

Holiday cheer, it was argued, might provide the needed stimulus.

The New York Times

Promotional Santa hats will be part of the holiday cheer.

The New York Times - Books

The video game industry already has reason for holiday cheer.

The New York Times

But the trend lines are not providing much holiday cheer.

The New York Times

Welcome to the dark side of holiday cheer.

The New York Times

Are there shows you've seen that would brings us all a little more holiday cheer?

The New York Times

That would also be a first — and one filled with holiday cheer.

The New York Times

The lights are there, imprinting the dark with holiday cheer, and then are not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "holiday cheer" to evoke feelings of warmth, joy, and celebration during the holiday season. It's effective for describing events, decorations, or general atmospheres.

Common error

Avoid using "holiday cheer" in contexts unrelated to holidays. It can sound awkward or out of place if applied to everyday situations or events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holiday cheer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or as a descriptive element. It encapsulates the feeling or atmosphere associated with a festive time. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used to refer to the positive and joyful spirit of the holiday season.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “holiday cheer” is a widely recognized and used expression, perfectly capturing the joyful and festive spirit associated with holidays. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes the positive emotions and celebratory mood characteristic of this time of year. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts while still evoking feelings of warmth and goodwill. To enhance your writing, remember to use "holiday cheer" when describing events or atmospheres during the season, but avoid overuse in unrelated contexts. For similar expressions, consider alternatives such as "festive spirit" or "Christmas spirit" to add nuance to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holiday spirit

Broader term that can apply to any holiday season, not just Christmas.

festive spirit

Focuses more on the overall atmosphere and mood of the holidays.

warm holiday feelings

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the holidays.

Yuletide joy

Specifically refers to the Christmas season and its associated happiness.

seasonal goodwill

Emphasizes the kindness and generosity often associated with the holidays.

Christmas spirit

More specific, relating exclusively to Christmas.

festive mood

Concentrates on the general celebratory feeling.

jolly atmosphere

Highlights the merry and cheerful environment.

merry sentiments

Highlights feelings of joy and happiness.

cheerful disposition

Shifts the focus to an individual's positive and happy attitude during the holidays.

FAQs

How can I use "holiday cheer" in a sentence?

You can use "holiday cheer" to describe the joyful atmosphere or spirit associated with holidays. For example, "The decorations brought a lot of holiday cheer to the office."

What's a good alternative to "holiday cheer"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "festive spirit" or "holiday spirit" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "holiday cheer" appropriate for formal writing?

While "holiday cheer" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "seasonal celebration" or "festive atmosphere".

Can "holiday cheer" refer to any holiday?

Yes, "holiday cheer" can generally refer to the joyful spirit of any holiday season, but it's most commonly associated with Christmas and the end-of-year holidays.