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The celebration of the Christmas season has ancient historical
roots, but it serves the same purpose today as it has over
all those centuries. It is a time to lift our spirits and glimpse
what life could be like all year round.
Some aspects go back to the Druids as early as 3,000 years
ago. They decorated trees around the winter solstice and performed
many rituals we might recognize. The Roman Saturnalia coincides
with the time of year. That ancient people celebrated successful
harvests with a week-long celebration. And, of course, many
aspects of Christmas and Hanukkah revolve around the Christian
and Jewish religions. Many of the modern customs of the season
derive those that grew up in England and Germany in the early
to mid-19th century.
But whatever the historical origin of this or that part of
the Christmas holiday, it is celebrated in hundreds of countries
around the world in similar ways. It is one time of the year
when everyone is reminded of the many joyous aspects of life.
It is a time for exchanging gifts as a token of affection,
for parties to enjoy good friends and family. It is a renewal
of good will.
All those are given concrete form by the many ways that people
around the world enjoy the holiday.
Some of those involve decorating the home or office inside
or out. Stringing lights lend a festive air to objects and
the buildings that house them. A tree brings nature indoors,
while ornaments give it an artistic touch that only humans
can provide. Christmas cards are exchanged to remind others
that we're thinking of them and wish them well.
At the same time, socializing rises. That often takes the
form of a carefully prepared meal with delightful drinks and
delicious desserts. Those parties often extend into New Years
because, after all, those ancient traditions continue to operate
in some ways in modern times. Even when not thought about,
the ways of the past continue to influence the present.
Giving gifts is a big part of the holiday, and for good reason.
While it may be the thought that counts, thoughts are made
clearer when they're given expression in reality. A thoughtful
gift says you know what another wants. That's a sign of caring.
It's an act by one person to give up a material value in exchange
for another that will bring joy to both. And, after all, joy
is non-material even when prompted by an object.
For, everyone will acknowledge that while gifts are delightful,
the smile on the face of someone you like is the biggest gift
of all. That's still Christmas, even in the modern world.
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