Why the Preposition Varies between ‘at’ and ‘on’ in Christmas and New Year’s Eve

The prepositions used in reference to specific celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, often confuse native English speakers as well as students learning the language.

A Difference in Context: ‘Christmas’ vs. ‘New Year’s Eve’

Americans and Australians tend to say ‘at’ for Christmas and ‘on’ for New Year’s Eve, highlighting a key difference between these prepositions. This distinction is not merely a grammatical one, but rather a practical and contextual choice based on the nature of the event.

Understanding the Prepositions

Christmas is a festival that takes place over 12 days, making it a period of time. Therefore, it is correct to use the preposition ‘at’ when referring to the celebration of Christmas. On the other hand, New Year’s Eve is a single day, which is why we use the preposition ‘on’ to designate the exact date.

At vs. On: Usage Explained

Explanation: 'At' and 'On'

At is used for a period of time, whereas on is used for a single day or date. For instance, when we say, "We celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas time," it implies a general period. Conversely, when we say, "We celebrate on New Year’s Eve," it focuses on the specific day.

Examples:

At Christmas: During or at a time before or during the celebration of Christmas period.

On New Year’s Eve: Of or on the specific day of New Year’s Eve.

The Evolution of Usage

The preposition ‘at’ for Christmas also includes a historical perspective. In some contexts, ‘at Christmastime’ is used, which is a longer form of expression. However, many people, influenced by frequency and familiarity, opt for the shorter ‘at Christmas’. According to statistics, ‘on Christmas’ is used twice as frequently as ‘at Christmas’, reflecting a preference for specificity in dating.

Fun Fact:

A non-grammatical, but euphonic reason might be the easier pronunciation of 'at Christmas' over 'on Christmas.' The prominence of the 't' sounds in 'at Christmas' makes the phrase sound more pleasant, perhaps influencing its more frequent use. To experience this, try saying 'at' and 'on' aloud in different contexts and notice the difference.

Conclusion:

The variation in prepositions, between ‘at’ for Christmas and ‘on’ for New Year’s Eve, reflects the nature of the events. Whether you say ‘at’ or ‘on,’ the context and the date will guide you on the appropriate choice.