preChristmas

PreChristmas refers to the period before Christmas Day, encompassing both religious and secular preparations for the holiday. In Western Christian usage, the most relevant framework is Advent, which begins about four Sundays before December 25 and lasts until Christmas Eve.

During pre-Christmas, many households decorate homes, set up Christmas trees, and participate in practices such as Advent calendars and Advent wreaths. Christmas markets, concerts, and nativity plays are common in many regions. In secular settings, pre-Christmas is strongly tied to shopping, gift-giving, and seasonal entertainment, including music, lights, and decorations.

Practices vary by country and denomination. Some Eastern Christian churches celebrate Christmas on January 7, which shifts their pre-Christmas period accordingly. The term "preChristmas" is informal and descriptive rather than a formal liturgical designation, and it is frequently used by media, retailers, and the public to denote the run-up to Christmas.

While strongly associated with Advent in Christian practice, the term "preChristmas" is primarily a secular label used to describe the cultural period before Christmas. It is widely used in media and commerce to frame events, promotions, and traditions occurring before the holiday.