12 Perspectives to Celebrate the Holidays

Celebrate the Holidays!

Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays! Let’s celebrate the holidays! As The Holidays approached, my hubby said, “I want our cards to read Merry Christmas, not Seasons Greetings. I want to celebrate Christmas.” Hmm, but what meaning does he attribute to the word and celebration we call Christmas? What is his TRUE meaning of Christmas? T’was the night before an interesting discussion.

Oftentimes, we are told we need to remember the true meaning of Christmas. I do not know about you, but I often feel emotionally ready to duck when that subject rises. I prepare to feel shame, blame or guilt. I ready myself to defend my December celebrations.

Songs and poems are shared to convey the meaning of Christmas. My top three favorites are:

• The Twelve Days of Christmas
• Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
• T’was the Night Before Christmas

But, I do not want the stores blaring Christmassy jingles in my ears before December. My gosh! Isn’t one month of retail mania enough? A curse on Black Friday, the November day after American Thanksgiving weekend, which has crept into Canada.  The commercialization of Christmas is a North American stampede . . . and each year it seems to increase in its ferociousness.

Then the media joins in with sales, deals and seasonal projects for the disadvantaged. All vie for their truth of the meaning of Christmas.

The resilient person is able to muster up a sense of internal locus of control and speak from personal values, choices and, most likely, faith. They might be heard saying, “I know the TRUE meaning of Christmas, for me”. Then they put their meaning into action.

Twelve Ways To Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas

December 25th can be celebrated in many ways, reflecting North America’s diversity. In Canada, we pride ourselves on our rich cultural and religious diversity. On this special day, our ways of observing Christmas will vary according to our faith, family background, circumstances, country of origin, or personal beliefs. The true meaning of Christmas may be experienced and expressed in various ways, all contributing to a spirit of joy, generosity, and connection. Here are twelve ways to celebrate the essence of the season:

1. Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ – For many Christians, Christmas is a sacred celebration of the birth of the Lord and Savior. As Norman Vincent Peale famously said, “I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace into this world.”
2. Honor the Celebration of Hanukkah – For Jewish communities, Christmas may coincide with the Festival of Lights, an eight-day celebration of miracles, freedom, and faith, marked by the lighting of the menorah and special prayers.
3. Worship and Praise God – For Muslims, Christmas may be a day like any other in their devotion to Allah, a time for prayer, reflection, and gratitude for the blessings of life. Worship and connection with God are central to their daily lives.
4. Celebrate the Winter Solstice – Ancient traditions rooted in the cycles of nature, such as Winter Solstice rituals, celebrate the return of light and the cyclical rhythms of life. Many Indigenous cultures, Shamans, Wiccans, and Earth-revering spiritual groups observe this time as a sacred moment to honor the earth’s natural cycles.
5. Practice Acts of Kindness – For Buddhists and others who emphasize compassion, Christmas is an opportunity to deepen our commitment to kindness. As the Dalai Lama said, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” Consider small acts of generosity or compassion toward others, creating a ripple of goodwill.
6. Take Time for Rest and Reflection – In the busyness of life, Christmas is an opportunity to pause, read a book, take a walk in nature, or simply reflect on the year. This time of rest allows us to rejuvenate our spirits and mind, recharging for the year ahead.
7. Enjoy the Winter Wonderland – Embrace the beauty of the winter season. Whether it’s snowy landscapes, twinkling lights, or frosty air, there’s a quiet wonder in the world around us, perfect for a peaceful stroll or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the season.
8. Gather as Family – Spend quality time with loved ones, expressing gratitude and appreciation. Share a meal, perhaps a festive turkey dinner, and create lasting memories. Celebrate the holidays by cluing into the joy and wonder children demonstrate.
9. Acknowledge the Stress – Christmas isn’t always perfect. It’s okay to feel the weight of holiday expectations, the overindulgence in food, or the discomfort of family dynamics. Recognizing this helps us accept the imperfections of the season while still appreciating its deeper meaning.
10. Give and Receive Gifts – The tradition of gift-giving, inspired by the story of Saint Nicholas, embodies the spirit of generosity and love. Gifts are a way to show affection and appreciation, but they also serve as a reminder of the greatest gift we have: the love of family, friends, and community.
11. Embrace the Spirit of Christmas Beyond Materialism – Avoid becoming a “Scrooge” or a “Grinch.” Remember that Christmas doesn’t come from a store; it’s a celebration of love, connection, and joy. As Dr. Seuss wrote in My Book About Christmas, “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!”
12. Serve Others with Compassion – Volunteering at a homeless shelter or in a community food bank offers a chance to give comfort and hope to those in need. Whether serving a meal, offering companionship, or providing support, the act of service is a beautiful way to embody the true meaning of Christmas.

BONUS: An Online Perspective to Celebrate the Holidays

During the Christmas holidays, connecting with loved ones through FaceTime or Zoom allows us to celebrate together, even when we’re physically apart. Whether it’s opening presents, singing carols, or simply catching up, technology helps us feel connected and keeps the holiday spirit alive, no matter where we are in the world. Here are some ideas to celebrate online:

Conclusion
Christmas is a time to reflect on what truly matters: love, generosity, kindness, and connection. Let us honor the diversity of traditions and find joy and meaning in each one. Celebrate the holidays by listening to some favorite music, going to the release of a new movie, gathering with your faith community or connecting with loved ones online or in person. Happy Holidays!

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