By Stuart Gordon

 

What does Christmas mean anymore? Sure, the origins are as undisputed as something can be. It isn’t a secret that Christmas was made to celebrate the birth of Jesus. But does Christmas still mean that? In short, no. Christmas, as it is celebrated, has really separated itself from religion in almost every way. Yes, people still go to mass on Christmas Eve. And yes, you can still find the occasional nativity scene in someone’s yard. But when you think about everything involved with Christmas, those are rather small fries.
Think about an average Christmas tree. Think about your favorite Christmas movie, whether it is “Home Alone,” “Elf” or “Christmas Vacation.” Think about Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.  How much are they really about Jesus, or even Christianity? Has anyone ever heard the question, “What is your favorite part of Christmas?” followed by the answer, “It’s Jesus’ birthday”? Even St. Nick is now predominantly known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas.
Had I grown up in a house that didn’t celebrate Christmas, I would have been unhappy. It’s clearly the coolest holiday. Not because of Christ’s birthday, but because we have made it so cool. I cannot think of a single Hanukkah movie, but I can instantly recall dozens upon dozens of Christmas flicks. Even if my parents had been atheists, I still would have been bummed to be the only child on the block not to get a pile of presents for being good the whole three weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
Making Christmas so cool, however, is a catch 22. Realistically speaking, religion can get kind of boring. I’m not claiming any religion is untrue, just occasionally boring. The proof to this is in the pudding: People’s favorite parts of Christmas are those that we completely made up simply to make Dec. 25 so appealing.
Who can really get excited about a day of religious significance? I’m not saying people can’t appreciate, worship, respect or believe in a religious holiday.  But who can honestly say they feel the same excitement about worshiping that they do about getting presents? Admittedly, some people say they do. But I think it’s rather indisputable that the masses respond better to presents, food and pretty lights.
This does not mean that Christmas is meaningless. It’s quite the opposite. Christmas now has even more universally appealing values to an even greater number of people. Christmas is about spending time with your family. It’s about braving the cold with your closest friends at 3:30 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving. It’s about generosity and goodwill and kindness to those you do not know. One might claim it as an improvement, if we were to do those things in Jesus’ name. However, we are even better off because, not only are the Christians still doing good work in Jesus’ name, but Christmas now has the added benefit of others doing good work, for no reason at all.
Additionally, as a Christian myself, I find it hypocritical to celebrate Jesus’ birthday on any single day, especially since many believe He was born in the summer. If you honor and follow Jesus, there is no more reason to celebrate Him on Dec. 25, compared to Aug. 8. So what could it matter that Dec. 25 is no longer a holiday exclusive to Him?
At the end of the day, Christmas should be about loving one another, simple as that. We should not need to categorize it under a particular creed in order for all to appreciate this notion. Think of Christmas as you would Independence Day, Memorial Day or Thanksgiving. And say to one and all, in the true joy of the holiday spirit, “Merry Christmas.”