Ever sat around a living room during a heated game of Scunner or Categories, desperately trying to think of Christmas things starting with E? It's a surprisingly tough spot. Your brain freezes. You think of "Eggnog" and then... nothing. Blank stare. It’s honestly one of those niche challenges that makes you realize how much of our holiday vocabulary is dominated by the same five letters.
But here’s the thing. When you actually dig into the history of the season—from Victorian traditions to modern pop culture—the letter E is everywhere. It’s in the food we eat, the songs we belt out after three glasses of punch, and the weird little folklore creatures that haunt the corners of Europe.
Let's get into it.
The undisputed king: Eggnog
You either love it or you think it’s liquid garbage. There is rarely a middle ground with eggnog. This is the heavy hitter of Christmas things starting with E, and for good reason. Historically, it’s a descendant of "posset," a hot, curdled milk drink mixed with ale or wine that was popular among the British aristocracy in the 1700s.
Why was it for the rich? Well, milk and eggs were expensive. Alcohol was a luxury. Putting them all together in one cup was basically the 18th-century version of showing off your designer watch.
When it made the jump to the American colonies, it really took off because rum was way cheaper than the heavy-taxed brandy or wine found in Europe. George Washington even had his own recipe. It was notoriously boozy. It called for rye whiskey, rum, and sherry. If you follow the General's lead, you're looking at a drink that could probably strip paint off a barn, but it definitely gets the party started.
Modern eggnog is usually more subdued, bought in a carton, and topped with a little nutmeg. But if you're looking for authenticity, the homemade stuff—aged for a few weeks—is a completely different beast. The alcohol actually acts as a preservative, killing any bacteria from the raw eggs. Science is cool like that.
Ebenezer Scrooge: The man who defined the mood
You can't talk about December without mentioning Ebenezer Scrooge. Charles Dickens basically reinvented the modern concept of Christmas with A Christmas Carol in 1843. Before this book, Christmas was actually a dying holiday in many parts of England.
Scrooge represents the "E" in every grumpy relative you have. His name has become shorthand for anyone who hates fun or hoards money. But honestly, if you re-read the text, Scrooge is a fascinating psychological study. He isn't just "mean." He's traumatized. He’s a man who chose security over love because he grew up with neither.
The transformation of Ebenezer is the core of the holiday spirit. It’s the idea that nobody is too far gone. Plus, the ghosts! The Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. They provide the supernatural spookiness that used to be a standard part of midwinter festivals before we made everything so bright and shiny.
Elf on the Shelf: A polarizing modern classic
If you have kids, you either have an elf or you’ve spent five years explaining why your house doesn't have one. This is one of those Christmas things starting with E that felt like it appeared out of thin air.
It did. Sort of.
The book and doll were launched in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughters. It’s based on their own family tradition from the 70s. Since then, it has become a massive cultural phenomenon. It’s a scout for Santa. It watches the kids. It moves at night.
Some parents find it a fun way to encourage good behavior. Others find the "surveillance state for toddlers" vibe a bit creepy. Regardless of where you stand, the creativity people put into these setups is wild. I’ve seen elves doing marshmallow "snow" angels, elves stuck in flour, and elves "fishing" for goldfish crackers in the toilet. It’s a lot of work for a Tuesday night in December.
Edible ornaments and European delights
European traditions are a goldmine for the letter E. Take Ensaimada, for example. While it's a year-round pastry from Mallorca, it’s a massive deal during the holidays in Spain and Latin America. It's a coiled, sweet bread, often dusted with powdered sugar so it looks like it’s been hit by a light frost.
Then there are Evergreens.
We take them for granted. We stick a plastic one in the corner and call it a day. But the symbolism of the evergreen is ancient. Pagans used branches to decorate their homes during the winter solstice to remind them that life would return. The "E" here stands for endurance. These trees stay green when everything else looks dead.
And don't forget Eiswein (Ice Wine).
This is a German and Austrian staple. To make it, the grapes have to freeze while they are still on the vine. This concentrates the sugars and the acidity. The result is a dessert wine that is incredibly sweet and vibrant. It’s expensive because the yield is tiny—one frost-bitten grape might only give you a drop of juice—but it’s the perfect "E" drink for a fancy Christmas dinner.
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Epiphany: The real end of the season
Most people think Christmas ends on December 26th. In reality, the liturgical season goes all the way to Epiphany on January 6th. This is also known as Three Kings Day.
In many cultures, this is actually the day kids get their presents, not Christmas Day. It commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. In Italy, you have La Befana, the old woman/witch who delivers candy to good kids and coal to the naughty ones on the eve of Epiphany.
Honestly, the "Twelve Days of Christmas" song makes way more sense when you realize it’s counting the days between December 25th and January 6th.
Everything else that fits the bill
Sometimes you just need a quick list for a game. Here are some more Christmas things starting with E that you can pull out of your sleeve:
- Emmanuel: A name for Jesus often used in carols like "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
- Elves: Obviously. Santa’s workshop doesn’t run itself.
- Egg-shaped ornaments: A vintage aesthetic that’s making a comeback.
- Eucalyptus wreaths: A trendy, minimalist alternative to traditional pine.
- Enchanted Forest: A common theme for light displays and botanical garden events.
- Exchange (Gift Exchange): Whether it’s Secret Santa or White Elephant, the "E" is in the action.
- Earmuffs: Essential for carolers in colder climates.
- Eggnog Lattes: For those who want the holiday flavor but need the caffeine to survive the mall.
Why the letter E matters for holiday SEO and games
If you're writing or searching for these terms, you're likely looking for inspiration for a themed party, a school project, or you're just stuck on a crossword. The letter E brings a mix of the culinary, the religious, and the purely commercial.
It bridges the gap between the old world (Epiphany, Eiswein) and the new (Elf on the Shelf).
When you’re planning your holiday activities, don't overlook these. An "E" themed party could be a fun challenge—everyone brings something starting with the letter. You'd end up with a table full of eclairs, eggnog, empanadas, and edamame. Actually, that sounds like a great spread.
How to use these "E" items this year
If you want to actually do something with this information, here are a few ways to level up your December:
1. Host an "E" Tasting
Don't just buy the cheap eggnog. Go to a local liquor store and look for a high-end bottle, or find a bottle of German Eiswein. Compare them. It’s a great way to talk about the history of holiday spirits without it feeling like a lecture.
2. Lean into the "E" in your decorating
If you're tired of the standard red and green, look into Eucalyptus. It smells incredible—much fresher than those pine-scented candles that give everyone a headache—and it looks sophisticated.
3. Teach the history of the Epiphany
If you have kids, don't let the magic end on the 25th. Talk about the "Three Kings" and maybe leave out a small treat on January 6th. It helps ease the post-Christmas blues that usually hit right around New Year's Day.
4. Update your Christmas playlist
Look for different versions of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." There are some hauntingly beautiful folk and choral versions that offer a nice break from the upbeat pop songs that have been playing in every grocery store since October.
The holiday season is more than just the big-ticket items. It’s in the small details. It’s in the Ears of the reindeer, the Embers in the fireplace, and the Excitement on a kid’s face. Once you start looking for the "E," you’ll see it everywhere.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Make the George Washington Eggnog: Find the recipe online (be warned, it makes a lot).
- Search for local "Enchanted Forest" light shows: Many parks use this specific branding for their January walk-throughs.
- Prep for the "E" in your next trivia night: Keep Eiswein and Epiphany in your back pocket; they are the most common "hard" answers.