Meanings

1. 1

   idiomaticthe time around Christmas and New Year, with different precise understandings

   In den »Zwölfen« darf man nicht spinnen! Das wußten im Bergdorf die Spinnerinnen. Sie wußten's alle. Sie wußten's genau. Frau Perchta liebt's nicht, die leuchtende Frau, Die Schneelichte mit den goldenen Haaren. Die Spindel soll ruhen zwischen den Jahren, Wie auch die schaffende Erde ruht.No yarn shall be spun during the "Twelve"! All sprintresses in the village in the mountains knew They knew it, all of them; they knew exactly. Miss Perchta does not love it, glowing woman she is, Snow-bright with golden hair The spindle shall rest between the years, As bestowing earth rests also.

2. 2

   idiomaticbetween Christmas and New Year: December 27 to 31

3. 3

   idiomaticfrom Christmas Eve through New Year: December 24 to January 1

4. 4

   idiomaticfrom Christmas Eve through Epiphany: December 24 to January 6

5. 5

   idiomaticduring the Christmas vacation: maximally December 21 to January 8 (depending on the year and jurisdiction)

6. 6

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see zwischen, Jahr.