Lately I’ve heard a lot of people moan about Christmas being materialistic and plain indulgent. I don’t dispute that for many that may be the case. But I would also suggest looking at other areas in those people’s lives and if you look hard enough I would imagine you’d see a trend; it isn’t Christmas that is the problem it is the attitude towards wanting, having, buying and self. Many of my Christian friends have started not celebrating Christmas after reading books on Christmas celebrations not being based on Christianity. Most of those people do not send cards, do not decorate, do not give or receive presents and do not attend any family events, parties or meals. Many of these friends have encouraged me to do a bit of soul-searching about this holiday, to look closely at the problems that exist and to perhaps choose not to celebrate this year. Only the more I soul search, for me, the more of a blessing I see that this holiday is.
- Should I take the time to write more letters throughout the year? Absolutely! Is it nice to take the time to write a personal card, send a nice letter and perhaps a picture or two to friends or family far away, you bet!
- Should I volunteer year around? Yes (and I do) but in my experience Christmas volunteering is often a catalyst in becoming involved in a project in the new year!
- Should I spend hundreds on gifts for myself and others? Of course not, but I would never do that anyway!
- Should I be expecting and wanting stuff? No and to be honest all those that know me in real life know I ask for nothing and often take weeks to open what I do receive!
- Should I remember that there are people with family far away or no family at all, who could use some love and support at this time of year? Yes and that isn’t more likely to happen because I don’t celebrate, in fact I think it is more likely to happen because I do celebrate (so am more aware of those who may not have someone)
I do not deny that there is a horrible state of materialism that can surface during the holiday season, but for me, with the choices I make there is also a wonderful simplicity that defines not only who I am, but how I approach the holidays.
For me this Christmas will include:
- Attending a Church service or two!
- Dropping off food and baked goods to several elderly people I know
- Shopping for the food bank
- Reading my Bible, giving thanks and lifting up people I know and people worldwide in prayer
- Enjoying a meal with family and friends (including those who do not have family to spend Christmas with)
- Volunteering
- An annual Christmas hike
I am very thankful that my friends asked me to examine how I celebrate Christmas, I did enjoy the process of reflecting on Christmas and how I celebrate. My conclusion is that I’m not threatened by the celebration of Christmas, because for me Christmas is purposeful, it is a time where I can really put others ahead of myself, show love and bask in the celebration of what my King did with His birth, life here on earth and death. Nope, Christmas isn’t all bad in fact I’d say it’s pretty good 
How sad of your friends! They are missing the point. The fact that the Church’s celebration of Christmas – and its modern sometimes secular variations – have deep roots in pagan celebrations and symbols and cyclical seasons of dark and light doesn’t make it any more filled with truth. It speaks, on the contrary, to a deep human need for hope, light, and periods of feasting and giving (with always implies excess) and to the Church’s wisdom in recognizing this (I’m using Church in a large sense). Following their logic, your Christian friends should stop being Christians altogether since so much of the Christ narrative was influenced by and aligned to pagan sources! That would be a shame.
Sorry, meant to say “doesn’t make it any LESS filled with truth”
Anonymous I think you’ve made some great points!
I think they are throwing the baby out with the bath water really aren’t they?
Nothing at all wrong with a bit of celebration. Surely it can’t stop someone being Christian? I agree that we probably have access to TOO MUCH in order for the feasting and gift giving to be as meaningful as perhaps it should be. But in its essence these things are a celebration of life and joy.
I love Christmas and its magical wonderfulness. Even I am off to Church tomorrow!!
Well Mo, I hope you enjoyed??
When I was in kindergarten, my father died. Until then, I had believed in Santa Claus at Christmas. The next year I saw my mother and grandfather decorating the Christmas tree. When I asked my mother about Santa Claus, and why he was not bringing the tree and presents anymore, she told me that God is Love and Love is what makes all “these things” (the Christmas celebrations) happen. If we keep this idea in our minds and hearts, I think we will not go too far wrong.
“If we keep this idea in our minds and hearts, I think we will not go too far wrong” – AMEN thickethouse!
Christmas is an oppourtunity like no other to encourage people in the spirit of Christmas: especially… dare I say: people that don’t know the reason for the season: some people mightn’t have thought previously that you can live the ‘Christmas Spirit’ of giving year round: and it doesn’t lie in the amount spent on presents or how much you eat & drink.
Something that I do with my family (I’m the only Christian in our family of 4) is that because we already feel that we have enough: and unless someone has a particular wish: I donate money to a charity (worldvision/ TEAR: someone you feel comfortable with). Nowadays they have all different amounts you can donate and they send you a card which you can give to the person saying ‘You have provided a family with a goat/pig/seeds/child’s school supplies for a year’.
It sounds naff, and for some people who are on the more materialistic side of Christmas they mightn’t appreciate it: then again it might open their mind a bit: but it is a thought to keep in mind.
Especially because in Australia it’s also Tax Deductible! So everyone wins really
All that being said: I left my family in Australia to celebrate Christmas in Germany this year with another family who have adopted me as their own after I spent an exchange year here when I was 16/17. For me it’s more about the who than the what.
What a wonderful comment, thank you! I hope you have a lovely Christmas in Germany!
I agree with you, it is really good to check in now and then and know what we do what we do. I think being able to celebrate while still being true to your faith is what real faith is.
That it is Kathryn. I like that concept of checking in
I can’t imagine not celebrating Christmas. I have found, that each year, I refine what our Christmas celebration will look like. And, it is getting better and more Christ centered each year. I saw something on t.v. the other day about this guy who hated Christmas because of all the commercialism. Well, it was suggested to him, that it is all in what you are looking at and focusing on. If you look at it the right way, and focus on what is important, you can love Christmas, he was told.
I am so proud of my 8 yr. old! Can you believe she asked for nothing this Christmas? She especially stated that she didn’t want toys. Even at her young age she is already starting to understand what CHRISTmas really is…
Blessings!
Christmas seemed silly to me even though I am a Christian because I celebrate Christ’s birth everyday, and Christ was not born on that day anyway – but now I have decided I will celebrate it according to what is meaningful to me. I like to contemplate Christs birth and how God brought it about. My church gets together for a special dinner in celebration of Christmas. I enjoy buying gifts for others but I don’t spend beyond my means. Then there is always getting together with family Christmas day which I am always thankful for.