Abbreviated form of Christmas. The letter "X" was used by ancient Christians under persecution as a sign of their faith, being a physical representation of the cross. Underground meeting spots usually had an "X" marked on the sidewalk in front. Since celebrating Christmas was illegal and could result in martyrdom, Xmas was an acceptable name for the holiday.
Some super-conservative Christians are so uneducated on their faith's history that you wonder how they can have the balls to persecute others based on spelling, i.e., X-mas.
by bec March 28, 2005
by Bec December 14, 2003