How to Sign "Christmas"
Take your dominant arm and make the "c" hand shape with your palm facing down along with your full arm across your body, Then you will lift your 'c" handshape up.
Examples Using "Christmas" in a Sentence
1
Merry Christmas!
Sign 'Happy' by brushing your flat hands upward on your chest, then smoothly transition into 'Christmas' by bringing your dominant arm across your body with a 'C' handshape and lifting it up.
2
What are you doing for Christmas?
Point to the person for 'You', sign 'Christmas' using the upward lifting 'C' handshape motion, and then use the 'Do-Do' sign with furrowed eyebrows to ask the question.
3
I love Christmas music.
Point to yourself, sign 'Love' by crossing your arms over your chest, sign 'Christmas' with the upward 'C' motion across your body, and finish with the sign for 'Music'.
How to Sign "Christmas"
Take your dominant arm and make the "c" hand shape with your palm facing down along with your full arm across your body, Then you will lift your 'c" handshape up.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized version of the sign for 'Day' or 'Holiday'. It uses the 'C' handshape to represent the first letter of the English word 'Christmas'. The upward lifting motion of the arm across the body visually represents the sun rising on a new day or the arc of a decorative holiday wreath.
Signing Tips
Keep your movement smooth and celebratory. When you form the 'C' handshape and lift it up, imagine you are tracing the edge of a beautiful Christmas wreath or displaying a festive headline. Make sure your dominant arm starts comfortably across your body before making the upward lifting motion, giving the sign a clear, distinct starting and ending point.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a loose, open hand instead of a crisp 'C' shape. Additionally, beginners sometimes just push the hand forward or bounce it in place. Make sure you are clearly lifting the 'C' handshape up from across your body, as that upward arc is essential to the meaning of this specific sign.
Regional Variations
Yes, there are a few common variations. Some signers use a two-handed sign where both 'C' hands outline the shape of a wreath. Others might use a variation where the 'C' hand twists near the shoulder. However, the sweeping upward 'C' arm motion described here is very common and widely understood.
Examples Using "Christmas" in a Sentence
1Merry Christmas!
Sign 'Happy' by brushing your flat hands upward on your chest, then smoothly transition into 'Christmas' by bringing your dominant arm across your body with a 'C' handshape and lifting it up.
2What are you doing for Christmas?
Point to the person for 'You', sign 'Christmas' using the upward lifting 'C' handshape motion, and then use the 'Do-Do' sign with furrowed eyebrows to ask the question.
3I love Christmas music.
Point to yourself, sign 'Love' by crossing your arms over your chest, sign 'Christmas' with the upward 'C' motion across your body, and finish with the sign for 'Music'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use my non-dominant arm as a base?
While the focus is on your dominant arm moving across your body and lifting up, many signers naturally rest their dominant elbow on the back of their non-dominant hand or arm as a base, similar to the sign for 'Day'. Either way, the upward 'C' motion is the key.
Should I mouth the word 'Christmas' while signing?
Yes, it is generally helpful to mouth the word 'Christmas' naturally while performing the sign. This provides additional context, especially since the 'C' handshape is used in other initialized signs, helping your conversation partner understand you perfectly.
Is this sign used for other winter holidays?
No, this specific sign is exclusively for Christmas because it uses the initialized 'C' handshape. Other holidays, like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, have their own distinct signs that reflect their unique traditions and visual concepts.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!