colloq. [f. prec. sb.] Used in several trivial senses:
† a. trans. (nonce-use.) To provide with Christmas cheer (obs.). b. trans. To adorn with Christmas decorations. c. intr. To celebrate Christmas. Hence Christmasing vbl. sb.
1594. Chapman, Hymn. in Noct. (N.). When loves are Christmast with all pleasure’s sorts.
1806. Southey, Lett. (1856), I. 351. While you have been Christmassing in the country.
1829. [J. L. Knapp], Jrnl. Naturalist, 354. ‘Christmassing,’ as we call it, the decorating our churches, houses, and market meats with evergreens, is yet retained among us.
1851. Mayhew, Lond. Labour, I. 141/1. In London a large trade is carried on in ‘Christmasing,’ or in the sale of holly and mistletoe, for Christmas sports and decorations. Ibid. Properly to Christmas St. Paul’s … would take 50l. worth at least.
1883. Mrs. H. M. Plunkett, in Harper’s Mag., Jan., 240/1. A pair of costly dolls, which were to constitute the central pivot of her Christmasings.
1884. Daily News, 16 Feb., 5/3. Two policemen who had too obviously been ‘Christmassing.’ Both were under the influence of drink.
