During the month of December, and even through a little bit of November, the world immediately transitions itself from the fall festivities and into a winter wonderland. As soon as families finish their Thanksgiving dinner, they quickly migrate to the family room to put up their Christmas trees, officially marking the beginning of Christmas cheer. But what exactly is Christmas, and what are people really celebrating? 

“For Christians,” according to Christianity.com, “the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Savior, Jesus Christ.” Furthermore, Christmas is supposed to be a time of reflection for Christians to consider the importance of Christianity. In the Bible, where the story of Christmas was first recorded, Mary and Joseph give birth to a son, and the Lord’s angels appear before a group of shepherds to explain that “a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  So the shepherds collectively decide to travel to Bethlehem to see the Savior lying in a manger (Luke 2:4-19). 

In the Christian faith, it is believed that Jesus, God’s only child, was born in order to atone for all sin in the world and to ensure that all of God’s children would not be separated from Him after death. Ultimately, Christmas is the chance for Christians to express their appreciation and gratitude towards Jesus Christ and commemorate his birth.

Although Christmas is considered a Christain holiday, according to the Pew Research Center, about 81% of non-Christians in the United States take part in its revelry. From a non-religious point of view, Christmas is a time for family and friends to be cheerful together and be grateful. 

In other words, religious or not, Christmas is so much more than just decorating a tree, singing festive Christmas songs, and opening presents. Christmas is a time for everyone to surround themselves with their loved ones and recognize the value in the things they have, along with taking part in the holiday cheer. Kyndal Prahl (12) says that she enjoys Christmas time because she “get[s] to spend quality time with [her] family,” and she absolutely “love[s] looking at the Christmas lights in [her] neighborhood.” 

So this Christmas, be sure to take the time to recognize the great things this year has offered, no matter how chaotic it has been for us. Be sure to spend extra, quality time with your friends and family. Thank your teachers and mentors for supporting you. Acknowledge the healthcare workers that are constantly putting themselves at risk. Recognize those who are trying to make the world a better place.