If your family celebrates Christmas, chances are you and your kids are already getting ready for the big day. All of the joyful preparations can be a fun and memorable way to introduce some new words and phrases to your young Spanish learners.
Decorating for Christmas
- Christmas tree – Árbol de Navidad
- Lights – Luces
- Ornaments – Adornos y esferas
- Wreath – La corona navideña
- Advent calendar – Calendario de Adviento
- Nativity scene – El nacimiento
Making a Christmas List
- Toys – Juguetes
- Books – Libros
- Video game – Videojuego
- Board game – El juego de mesa
- Stuffed Animal – Animalito de peluche
- Clothes – La ropa
- Shoes – Zapatos
- “What do you want for Christmas this year?” – “¿Qué quieres para Navidad este año?”
- “I want toys for Christmas.” – “Quiero juguetes para Navidad.”
The Christmas Story
- Mary – María
- Joseph- José
- Baby Jesus – Nn Niño Dios, el Niño Jesús, el Santo Niño, el Divino Niño
- Manger – El pesebre
- Star of Bethlehem – Estrella de Belén
- Three Wise Men – los Tres Reyes Magos
Wrapping Gifts
- Gifts – Regalos
- Box – La caja
- Wrapping Paper – Papel de regalo
- Ribbon – Listón
- Scissors – Tijeras
- Tape – Las cinta adhesiva
Preparing for Santa
- Santa Claus – Santa is known by many names in Spanish-speaking countries. They include Papá Noel (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Paraguay, Perú Uruguay); San Nicolás (Honduras and Venezuela). Viejito Pascuero (Chile) and Colacho
- North Pole – El polo norte
- Sleigh – Trineo
- Elves – Los duendes or los elfos
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Rodolfo El Reno
- Christmas stockings – Medias de Navidad
- Milk and cookies – Leche y galletas
Opening Gifts
- This is for you. – Esto es para ti.
- I love my gift! – Me encanta mi regalo!
- Thank you so much. – Muchas gracias.
- You’re welcome. – De nada.
Christmas Carols
These links will take you to Spanish-language versions of some beloved Christmas songs, as well as famous villancicos in Mexico.
More Christmas Favorites
- Video of “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” being read in Spanish. Or pick up your own copy.
- Video of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” being read in Spanish. Or pick up your own copy.
- You can find Spanish-language versions of many classic TV Christmas specials, like “Frosty the Snowman,” online. Or, if you’re watching one of your holiday favorites on a streaming service like Netflix, just change the language and/or subtitles to Spanish.
We hope that these ideas inspire you to add some Spanish language practice to your family’s Christmas celebrations. Check out our Spanish for Thanksgiving blog for words and phrases to use while cooking and eating your Christmas feast! To keep the momentum going after the holiday season, enroll your kids in our Spanish immersion classes online starting at $12 per class. Contact us if you have any questions or comments.
