Christmas Time is Here

I spent a good part of today watching numerous cartoons devoted to Christmas on Nickelodeon with my younger sister, Hannah. During this, I discovered something that has been annoying me a great deal this year. As I am sure you know, many liberals who are trying too hard to be politically correct are whining constantly about Christmas symbols in public places. They claim that Christmas is a religious holiday and want it removed entirely from any place someone who does not celebrate it could possibly see (this is despite their valiant, obviously public attempts to bring Hanukah and Kwanza cheer to all). Personally, I find their battle against Christmas absurd; I think their efforts could be wasted on other frivolous issues. This is because Christmas is now almost as secular as any holiday could be. Christmas, we are told, is about family togetherness, giving, celebration, etc. It’s about a happy, elderly man with a thyroid disorder who breaks into our houses via chimneys and delivers us free stuff while we slumber peacefully. It’s about helping those are less fortunate and working towards peace on Earth. It’s about adding a few extra inches to our waistline while stuffing oversized socks full of sugary treats and presents.

While all of those things are lovely (and I truly love Christmas traditions), Christmas is not a holiday that appeared without a reason. It is not celebrated because of humanly love, as various media always portray it to be. It is a celebration of one the Earth’s greatest moments; the birth of our Savior. Of course, most people in the US have heard this and know the Christian reason behind the holiday, but they fail to really grasp why we rejoice. We can all enjoy singing the familiar carols, but not because they are appealing in a traditional, nostalgic sort of way. Rather, we should use them to truly celebrate and remember all Christ did for us. We should not give gifts simply because doing so is kind or because we expect something in return. Our gifts should represent (in an extremely miniscule way) the ultimate gift Christ gave to all. We should receive gifts with gratitude and humility to remind us of the gift we receive from Christ. Rather than focusing on a myth about a man who delivers presents to all, we should remember why St. Nicholas gave to others in the first place. Our beautiful, well lit decorations should display our overflowing joy in Christ. We should have good will towards others because God wants this of us not because tradition calls for it.

The reason for Christmas goes well beyond warmth, cheer, compassion, and good tidings. In reality, the real meaning is much more amazing and magical than any of our traditions or myths.

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And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:8-14, KJV)