When you hear the word Christmas, what comes to mind first? The lights? The snow? The baking, family time and crafts? The presents? It is sad to think that a good amount of americans have lost sight in what the true meaning of Christmas is, and have been lead to think that it is a materialistic holiday in place to brag about all the amazing gifts one receives. Christmas has been an official holiday in the Unites States dating back until 1870, when it was about celebrating the anniversary of the death of Jesus of Nazareth for Christians.  

After talking to a couple students here at Fossil, they gave me an insight as to what Christmas means to them. Cole Glaser said, “Christmas to me is a time where you can be with your family and friends and just enjoy the life that you have. It’s a jolly out.” Cole also talked with me and said that he thinks it is almost funny how far people’s idea of Christmas has strayed, and that he wishes more people weren’t so caught up in all the things that they get, and could just enjoy this holiday without all of the propaganda. Wyatt Nagel-Mart commented, “Christmas to me means a bunch of fun memories. I like the family occasions, putting up the christmas tree, hot chocolate, and celebrating christmas with Jesus and my family. Christmas is easily the best holiday in my opinion.” These two students’ comments support the idea that for some people, not all hope is lost when it comes to remembering the true purpose of Christmas.

Within many different cultures there are many celebrations that take place during the month of December. There are religious celebrations and rituals as well as traditions put in place by american families that make this holiday special and meaningful to everyone in their own way. The Europeans, centuries before the arrival of Jesus, celebrated light and birth in some of the darkest days of the winter season. Part of the religious practices was celebrating the winter solstice, when they began looking forward to longer days of sunlight. In Scandinavia, the Norse people celebrate with the Yule from the 21 of December through the winter solstice in January. The fathers during this time would bring home large logs and set them on fire. The fire would burn out in 12 days, and the people would feast until then. The Norse thought that each spark from the logs burning symbolized how many pigs or calves that would be born in the coming year. Along with these two religious and traditional rituals, there are hundreds of other ways people all around celebrate the holiday in many different ways.

The history of Christmas is often overlooked, the meaning is rather intangible than materialistic, and many people are consumed with the products put out by all of the big name brands, and the most expensive gifts they receive. This year, you better watch out, because you don’t want to lose another chance to create family and friend memories that will last a lifetime. Celebrate with the intentions that it’s about showing love and nothing less than that.