10 Best Christmas Jokes to Kick off the Holiday Spirit

Get ready to ho-ho-howl with laughter! These 10 Christmas jokes are packed with holiday cheer and cheeky humor to keep your spirits bright. Whether you need a quick laugh or a joke to share at the holiday table, these festive funnies will surely bring everyone joy!

Ah, Christmas! The time of year when everything sparkles, people get a little more generous, and we all pretend fruitcake is something we look forward to eating.

A woman sitting at a table with a plate of fruitcake | Source: Pexels

A woman sitting at a table with a plate of fruitcake | Source: Pexels

The holiday season is full of cheer, and it’s also a great time for laughter. Whether you’re cozy by the fireplace or stuck at a family gathering looking for a way to break the ice, these jokes are sure to bring a smile.

So grab your hot cocoa, settle in, and get ready to chuckle with these festive funnies!

A Christmas Test at Heaven’s Gates

Three men find themselves at the pearly gates of heaven on Christmas Eve. Saint Peter meets them with a stern look and a challenge.

St. Peter standing at heaven's gates | Source: Midjourney

St. Peter standing at heaven’s gates | Source: Midjourney

“To get into heaven tonight, you each need to show me something that represents Christmas.”

The first man digs into his pockets, pulls out a match, and lights it. “This is a Christmas candle,” he says with a hopeful smile.

“Impressive,” Saint Peter says and waves him through.

A man holding a lit match | Source: Pexels

A man holding a lit match | Source: Pexels

The second man reaches into his jacket and jangles a set of keys. “These are Christmas bells,” he grins.

Saint Peter nods, letting him pass.

Then, the third man steps up, pulling out a pair of red panties.

Puzzled, Saint Peter asks, “And what on earth do these have to do with Christmas?”

Women's underwear | Source: Unsplash

Women’s underwear | Source: Unsplash

The man smirks, “They’re Carol’s.”

If that joke didn’t light your Christmas candle, this next one might leave you laughing all the way to New Year’s Day. It’s a story of holiday hangovers, memory lapses, and a husband waking up to a Christmas surprise he definitely wasn’t expecting.

The Hungover Husband’s Christmas Surprise

Paul wakes up groggy and disoriented after his company’s Christmas party. He can barely remember how he got home, and his pounding headache isn’t helping.

A man sitting on the side of the bed | Source: Pexels

A man sitting on the side of the bed | Source: Pexels

As he pries his eyes open, he notices a glass of water, two aspirin, and a single red rose on his nightstand. His clothes are neatly folded, and the room is spotless. In the bathroom, he notices he has a black eye, and his wife has left him a note on the mirror.

“Darling, breakfast is on the stove. I left early to pick up groceries for your favorite dinner tonight. I love you!”

In the kitchen, a full breakfast is waiting, and his son is already at the table.

A boy eating breakfast | Source: Midjourney

A boy eating breakfast | Source: Midjourney

Paul asks his son, “What happened last night?”

“Well, you got home super late, totally drunk, and made a mess. You tripped over the coffee table, broke it, and smashed into the door, giving yourself that black eye.”

Confused, Paul stammers, “Then why is everything so perfect this morning?”

A confused man | Source: Midjourney

A confused man | Source: Midjourney

His son shrugs, “Oh, that’s easy. When Mum tried to take off your pants, you yelled, ‘Leave me alone! I’m married!’”

Let’s keep it going with a military twist on Christmas wishes. Sometimes, what you ask for isn’t exactly what you get, especially when you’re stationed away from home. This one’s for anyone who knows the struggles of life in uniform during the holidays.

The Soldier’s Christmas Wish

Two soldiers are in the mess hall chatting about past Christmas memories.

Two soldiers chatting | Source: Midjourney

Two soldiers chatting | Source: Midjourney

“I’ll never forget that one Christmas,” the first soldier says. “I spent an entire week peeling potatoes.”

“What happened?” his friend asks.

“Well, the sergeant asked what I wanted for Christmas,” he recalls.

“And what did you ask for?”

A soldier | Source: Pexels

A soldier | Source: Pexels

“A new sergeant,” the first soldier replies.

Ready for a joke that’s heaven-sent? This next story features a monk who spent years copying ancient texts, only to uncover a little mistake that could change everything. It’s a reminder that even the holiest of tasks can come with a hilarious twist!

The Monastic Misprint

A monk named David had spent years copying ancient religious texts by hand. He worked hard at his job and dedicated himself to upholding his vows to be obedient and celibate and free himself from the desire for possessions.

A devout monk working on religious texts | Source: Midjourney

A devout monk working on religious texts | Source: Midjourney

One day, shortly before Christmas, the head abbot entrusted David with the task of verifying the original manuscripts had been copied and translated precisely, word-for-word.

On Christmas day, David was nowhere to be found. Eventually, the head abbot located him in the archives, crying uncontrollably.

“Brother David, what’s wrong?” the abbot asked.

“All this time… we’ve been copying it wrong,” David sobbed.

“Copying what wrong?” the abbot pressed.

A monk and an abbot looking at religious texts | Source: Midjourney

A monk and an abbot looking at religious texts | Source: Midjourney

“The word wasn’t ‘celibate’… it was ‘celebrate’!”

If you thought that last one was divine, the next joke shows us that sometimes family drama isn’t what it appears to be.

The Holiday Season Break-up

The day before Christmas, a father in Brisbane calls his son in Sydney.

“Sorry to ruin your holiday,” the dad says, “but your mother and I are divorcing. I just can’t take it anymore.”

A man making a phone call | Source: Midjourney

A man making a phone call | Source: Midjourney

Shocked, the son yells, “What? No, don’t do anything until I get there! I’m calling my sister.”

Moments later, the daughter phones her dad, furious. “You are NOT getting divorced! My brother and I will be there tomorrow. Don’t do a single thing!”

The father hangs up and turns to his wife.

A solemn man glancing to one side | Source: Midjourney

A solemn man glancing to one side | Source: Midjourney

He grins widely and tells her, “Well, that’s our Christmas plans sorted. The kids are on their way and they’re paying for their own travel expenses!”

Let’s keep the laughs rolling with a little tale about early Christmas shopping. You know that feeling when you’re just a bit too eager to grab your gifts? Well, this next joke proves that timing is everything — even when it comes to snagging those holiday deals earlier than expected.

The Early Christmas Shopper

A man stands trial during the Christmas season. The judge asks the defendant, “Mr. Jones, what exactly are you accused of doing?”

A judge in a courtroom | Source: Midjourney

A judge in a courtroom | Source: Midjourney

“Your honor, I was just doing my Christmas shopping early,” the man says innocently.

“There’s nothing illegal about that,” the judge replies. “What time did you start?”

“Before the store opened.”

A somber man | Source: Midjourney

A somber man | Source: Midjourney

Time for a trip to the airport, where holiday cheer meets travel stress in the best way possible. Even if you’re not a fan of mistletoe, this next joke might make you look twice before checking in your bags this Christmas season.

Airport Mistletoe Mishap

Dave wasn’t feeling the holiday spirit as he waited at the airport just before Christmas. He noticed some mistletoe hanging above the luggage scale.

Mistletoe at the airport | Source: Midjourney

Mistletoe at the airport | Source: Midjourney

Annoyed, he told the airline attendant, “Even if we were dating, I wouldn’t kiss you under such tacky mistletoe.”

The attendant smirked, “Sir, that mistletoe isn’t for you to kiss me. It’s there so you can kiss your luggage goodbye.”

Hold onto your Santa hats because this next joke features a kid with a very “creative” approach to getting his Christmas wishes granted.

Man talking to airline attendant at the luggage area | Source: Midjourney

Man talking to airline attendant at the luggage area | Source: Midjourney

When it comes to writing letters to Santa (or Jesus), this boy takes negotiation tactics to a whole new level.

The Kid’s Christmas Bargain

A little boy starts writing his Christmas letter to Santa, but his mom interrupts him.

“You’ve been so naughty this year,” she scolds. “You’d better write that letter to Jesus instead.”

A child sitting at a table | Source: Midjourney

A child sitting at a table | Source: Midjourney

He thinks for a moment, then begins writing to Jesus, but quickly realizes he can’t lie about being good. Frustrated, he goes for a walk to clear his mind and spots a nativity scene.

Suddenly, he snatches the statue of Mary.

Returning home, he starts his new letter: “Dear Jesus, if you ever want to see your mother again…”

From a mischievous kid to a quick-witted teen, our next joke shows that sometimes biblical excuses can go hilariously wrong.

A Christmas nativity scene | Source: Pexels

A Christmas nativity scene | Source: Pexels

It’s a classic case of trying to outsmart a parent — only to learn an unexpected lesson.

Long Hair, Don’t Care

After acing his exams and diligently studying the Bible, Danny asks his clergyman father if he can get a car for Christmas.

“You’ve done great with your studies,” his father says. “But I’m disappointed you haven’t cut your hair.”

A teen boy | Source: Midjourney

A teen boy | Source: Midjourney

Danny smiles. “Dad, in the Bible, I noticed that Jesus, Moses, and Samson all had long hair.”

His father nods, “Yes, but did you also notice they walked everywhere?”

And now, let’s end on a high note with a husband who’s in for a surprise of his own while Christmas shopping.

A mall decorated for Christmas | Source: Pexels

A mall decorated for Christmas | Source: Pexels

Just when he thinks he’s found a sentimental moment, he gets a reality check guaranteed to leave you laughing out loud.

The Husband’s Christmas Misunderstanding

A couple is shopping at the mall on Christmas Eve when the husband realizes he’s lost his wife. Frantic, he calls her.

“Honey,” she says calmly, “do you remember the jewelry store where you saw that expensive watch you loved five years ago? The one I said I’d get you one day?”

A man speaking on his cell phone | Source: Midjourney

A man speaking on his cell phone | Source: Midjourney

His eyes well up. “Yes, I remember.”

“Well,” she replies, “I’m in the lingerie store next to it.”

And there you have it — a sleigh of laughs to brighten your holiday season! Whether you share these jokes at a family dinner or use them to lighten the mood at a holiday party, they’re sure to spread some Christmas cheer.

People at a Christmas party | Source: Midjourney

People at a Christmas party | Source: Midjourney

After all, the best gifts are the ones that bring a smile. So go ahead, share the laughter, and enjoy a merry, jolly, joke-filled Christmas!

For many people, Christmas is a time for family, so keep the laughs coming with these jokes about family life.

A Woman Bad-Mouthed Her Future DIL, Only to Realize the Next Day She Was Talking About Me — Story of the Day

I thought I was helping a sharp-tongued customer pick a gift for her son’s girlfriend. But our clash became deeply personal when she came to dinner as my BF’s mother.

The morning light painted the shop windows in soft, golden hues, catching on the frost that had crept up overnight. Inside, the air was warm and rich with the scent of cinnamon and pine. The shelves sparkled with handcrafted treasures—delicate ornaments, carved wooden toys, and intricately decorated candles.

Every day, I sold gifts or helped people choose the perfect present to light up a loved one’s face. People often wandered by, peering through the glass, and their smiles gave me a small rush of pride.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The familiar chime of the doorbell broke my thoughts. I turned, expecting another friendly face.

The woman’s heels clicked sharply against the wooden floor as she entered, her every movement deliberate, as if choreographed. Her jewelry glittered in a way that felt more commanding than beautiful.

“Good morning,” I offered with my usual warmth.

She barely nodded, her lips forming a polite but strained smile. “I’m looking for a gift. For my son’s girlfriend. We’re meeting tomorrow.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Of course,” I replied, gesturing to a nearby shelf. “We have some lovely…”

“Not those.” She waved a manicured hand dismissively before I could finish. “Too rustic.”

I blinked but kept my tone steady. “How about this?” I reached for a hand-painted jewelry box. “It’s handmade, and the details…”

“Too expensive,” she said sharply, cutting me off again. “For someone who hasn’t yet proven herself worthy? I don’t think so.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The comment stung more than it should have, but I masked it with a small nod.

“Perhaps a scarf then?” I suggested, holding up a soft woolen one. “It’s practical and elegant…”

“Not her style,” she said, her voice tinged with impatience. Her eyes flicked over me briefly as if she were assessing more than just the shop. “Is this all you have? I thought these little places were supposed to be unique.”

“Every item here is chosen with care,” I said evenly. “I’m sure we can find something.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She sighed, glancing at her watch.

“I’ll come back later, maybe,” she muttered, though the dismissal in her tone made it clear she wouldn’t.

Without another word, she left, the door shutting behind her with a definitive jingle.

The joy that had filled the shop earlier seemed to dim. I had dealt with difficult customers before. But something about that woman left a sour taste in my mouth.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The next evening, I smoothed the front of my dress, checking my reflection one last time. That night was supposed to be a quiet dinner with my boyfriend Ethan, a chance to unwind after a long week.

As we arrived at the candlelit bistro, Ethan leaned in and whispered, “Oh, by the way, my Mom, Margaret, is joining us. She’s excited to meet you.”

My panic prickled at the edges. “What?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“She’s already here,” Ethan said, gesturing toward the corner. “I didn’t tell you earlier because I didn’t want you to overthink it. Relax, she’s going to love you. Trust me.”

I managed a tight smile, but my nerves coiled tighter with every step. When we reached the table, my heart sank completely.

Margaret. It was her! The woman from the shop. Her sharp gaze met mine, and I saw a flicker of recognition before she quickly masked it with a polite smile.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Mom, this is Grace,” Ethan said warmly. “Grace, my mom, Margaret.”

“Hello,” I said, extending my hand. Her grip was firm but brief, her polished nails catching the low light.

“Grace,” she repeated, her tone neutral, “Ethan’s mentioned you. It’s nice to put a face to the name.”

As we sat down, Margaret immediately took charge of the conversation, her voice smooth and authoritative.

“Ethan, did I tell you about the holiday charity gala coming up?” Margaret began, her eyes sparkling with the kind of enthusiasm that came naturally when she spoke about herself.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“That’s incredible, Mom,” Ethan said, glancing at me with a smile. “She’s always got so much going on. Isn’t that impressive, Grace? Mom’s pretty amazing at juggling it all.”

“It sounds like a lot of work,” I said politely, though Margaret’s focus was already elsewhere.

“Oh, it is. The guest list alone has been a nightmare. Such a headache, but what can you do? These events practically run on connections.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Ethan didn’t miss a beat, turning the conversation back toward me. “You know, Grace has been really busy too. She’s incredible at helping people find the perfect gifts.”

Margaret’s lips curled into a faintly amused smile. “Well, that’s certainly a skill. Perhaps something to chat about another time.”

Ethan squeezed my hand briefly under the table, offering silent reassurance, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place. When Ethan left to pay the bill, Margaret turned to me, her polite mask slipping.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I’m going to be honest,” she began. “You seem nice, but I don’t see you fitting into Ethan’s life long-term. He needs someone who can complement his ambitions. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

I swallowed hard, willing myself not to react. There was no point in arguing.

Instead, I met her gaze and nodded politely. Ethan returned moments later, oblivious to the tension, and I plastered on a smile, wishing desperately for the night to end.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

A few days later, I was surprised to find an envelope slipped under my apartment door. Inside was an invitation to Margaret’s charity fair, accompanied by a neatly written note:

Grace, it would be helpful if you could come by a day early to assist with preparations. Margaret.

I stared at it for a long moment, unsure what to make of the gesture. Was this an olive branch, or just another test? Ethan, of course, saw it as a positive sign.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“It’s a great opportunity for her to see how amazing you are,” he said, his eyes filled with encouragement. “Just be yourself. She’ll come around.”

I wasn’t so convinced, but I agreed to go. If nothing else, I thought, it was a chance to support Ethan.

***

When I arrived the next day, the venue was buzzing with activity, though “chaotic” might have been a better word. People in sleek coats and bright scarves darted around, shouting instructions or carrying decorations.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Margaret stood in the center, directing it all like a conductor of an unruly orchestra. “Grace, you’re here. There’s plenty to do.”

She gestured toward a table where two women sat sipping champagne, surrounded by half-unpacked boxes of decorations. They didn’t notice the glitter they were spilling onto the white tablecloths.

“Start with the tables, will you? My friends, Linda and Carol, will help you.” Margaret said, barely glancing at me. “The spills are a disaster, and that glitter is everywhere. It needs to look perfect for tomorrow.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

As I grabbed a cloth to clean up the mess, Linda glanced at me with a smirk.

“Oh, bless you for doing this. Margaret’s got such a keen eye. Everything has to be just so,” she said, giggling as she clinked glasses with Carol.

I swallowed my pride and focused on the work. No matter how deliberate that felt, I reminded myself I was there for Ethan and the cause.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The evening dragged on, and Margaret’s usual poise began to crack. Her phone rang, and she answered it briskly. But suddenly, she lowered the phone, her face pale and tense.

“What’s wrong?” Linda asked, noticing Margaret’s unusual stillness.

Margaret sank onto a nearby sofa, pressing her fingers to her temples.

“The Christmas souvenirs… They’ve been delayed. There’s nothing to sell tomorrow.”

Panic rippled through the room. For the first time, I saw Margaret’s armor falter.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I hesitated, then stepped forward. “I can help.”

“Help? How? You can’t just fix this, Grace.” Her words were biting, but I could hear the fear beneath them.

“I’ll figure something out,” I replied, keeping my voice steady.

Her doubt stung, but I didn’t let it deter me. Something had to be done, and I knew I could do it.

***

That night, the shop door creaked softly as I pushed it open. I stood still for a moment, taking it all in—the shelves lined with ornaments that glittered faintly in the dim light, the delicate figurines arranged just so, and the jars of sweets stacked in neat rows.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I rolled up my sleeves and began to work, carefully packing the ornaments and arranging them in sturdy boxes. The figurines followed—tiny angels, snowmen, and reindeer, each wrapped in tissue paper to protect their fragile beauty. The sweets in bright wrappers went last.

Hours passed, but I didn’t feel the time. When I finished, the shop looked bare, but my heart felt full. Ethan arrived just as I sealed the last box.

“Grace, are you sure about this?” he asked, gesturing to the stack of boxes. “This is a lot to give.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“It’s what needs to be done,” I said simply, brushing my hair back from my face.

“How can you take all of this without the owner’s permission?”

“Ethan, I am the owner. I’ve been the shopkeeper, the accountant, the cleaner—everything. This shop is mine. I’ve kept it to myself because it’s my sanctuary corner of magic. I didn’t want to share it until I was ready.”

“You’ve been running this place all on your own? That’s incredible, Grace.”

Together, we loaded the car and drove to the venue. By morning, the shop’s treasures adorned the tables, their sparkle transforming the chaotic space into something truly magical.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The following morning, guests wandered through, admiring the ornaments and figurines, their smiles proof that the effort had been worth it.

Margaret approached me just as the last of the guests were leaving, her expression thoughtful and her tone uncharacteristically soft.

“Grace,” she began. “I owe you an apology.”

“There’s no need…”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“No, let me finish,” she said firmly. “I misjudged you from the start. When Ethan first mentioned you, I assumed… well, I assumed wrong. What you did tonight, saving the charity fair like that, was extraordinary. And you didn’t even hesitate.”

Her eyes glistened, though she quickly looked away as if to hide it. “I insist on paying for every single souvenir you brought. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you, Margaret.”

“I’d like you to spend Christmas with us. Here. As a family.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I hesitated, unsure if she meant it, but the sincerity in her expression was undeniable.

“I’d love that,” I said finally.

That evening, as we all gathered around the table, Margaret was no longer the stern, unyielding woman I had met in the shop or at dinner.

Ethan caught my eye across the table. That night, he shared how much it meant to him to see his mother open up, to see her finally embracing the people he cared about. It was a Christmas I would never forget.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I thought I had found the perfect Christmas romance—a man who seemed to bring magic into my life. But as the snow fell and the holidays approached, I uncovered a truth that turned my world upside down and left me questioning everything I believed about love and trust. Read the full story here.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*