Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CHRISTMAS, n. A Christmas present, Christmas box. Cf. the use of New Year in Sc. for a present or drink given at the New Year. Gen.Sc.Ags. 1896 A. Blair Rantin Robin 21:
He'll be sendin's some Christmas.Gsw. 1933 F. Niven Mrs Barry 90:
The milkman gave him a small pot of cream along with the day's milk, saying, “There's her Christmas tae her.”
Combs.: (1) Christmas breid, (2) Christmas dues, see quots. and Bannock, n., 2. (1)Abd. (Boddam) 1957:
Christmas breid was ordinary oatcakes with a special dressing on the top. The dressing consisted of dry oatmeal and caraway seeds with a mixture of hot fat and milk spread on the very top with the hand.(2)Per. 1796 Sc. N. & Q. (Ser. 1) XII. 73:
The miller gets a mutton ham yearly from every tenant, which they call Christmas dues or Bonnag.
