Today’s Spanish word of the day is “Navidad”.
It’s a feminine noun meaning “Christmas”.
It can refer specifically to the 25th of December, or the whole festive season.
In Spanish-speaking countries, the 24th of December is a bigger event than the 25th, with a shared meal and the exchanging of presents taking place on Christmas Eve, or “Nochebuena” in Spanish. This contrasts to English-speaking countries like the USA and the UK, where presents are exchanged on Christmas Day itself.
The word “Navidad” comes from Latin nativitas, meaning “birth”. This is also the root of the English word “nativity”, and is related to the word “native”.
Example sentences
Decoramos la casa para la Navidad ayer por la tarde.
We decorated the house for Christmas yesterday afternoon.
La Navidad trae recuerdos de mi infancia.
Christmas brings back memories of my childhood.
Ayer en la tarde, vi cómo instalaban el árbol de Navidad en la plaza.
Yesterday afternoon, I watched them set up the Christmas tree in the square.
Sería hermoso si nevara en Navidad este año.
It would be beautiful if it snowed on Christmas this year.
Celebraríamos la Navidad afuera si el clima fuera más cálido.
We would celebrate Christmas outside if the weather were warmer.
