For me, Christmas does not represent the Birth of christ. Actually, according to the History channel and Wikipedia, both pretty legit forms of knowledge, Christmas is about much, much more than the birth of Jesus. For me, Christmas is a celebration of Winter, of the season, of the end of the year, and of our Culture. It seems to me that we work our ass off the whole year long, and by the end we all get to just be nice to one another and enjoy time with our families. Then, we get a New year and a fresh start.
I do not consider myself Religious, but I respect people's different beliefs. Most of the time I do not understand them but I try to remember that it is Human Nature to think up stories to explain the mystery of life, and that without Blind faith, many people would be unable to function in their daily lives.
Here is what I love about Christmas:
1. MUSIC: As a musician I tend to be drawn towards the beauty and emotion in music, and many Holiday tunes seem to embrace those factors. I have to say I Love "Oh Holy Night" despite it's strong lyrics. I will proudly belt out the lyrics to "Oh come all ye faithful" just because they represent the season and the tune has been ingrained into my head, but that does not mean I am betraying my own belief system (or lack thereof.)
Religious or not, the catchy tunes of Christmas appeal to me. It is pretty crazy how one can hear "Carol of the Bells" after Christmas and instead of feeling haunted by the chilling, familiar melody they feel disgusted. After all, Christmas is over. How amusing that there are certain age old, famous tunes that one can ONLY hear during a certain 25 days of the year. Try playing them too soon or too late, and they will completely lose their magic.
2. LIGHTS: Nothing brings out my inner child like Christmas Lights do. Every season I patiently wait for my first glimpse of twinkling cheer. This season, it was a simple strand of white lights outlining a window sill that set me off. I screamed with delight at that lone strand, and I knew in my heart that the Holidays had begun.
Lucky for me, I had a Disneyland Annual Pass. Excitement over a lone strand of white lights is one thing, but the Magical World of Disney is Orgasmic in its Power. I actually sob with joy as I stare at the intricately beautiful Castle, the Brilliantly decorated and massive Tree on Main street, and the glammed up "Small World." Then, after an amazing Fireworks show, us Californians get a small taste of a "White Christmas" as snow showers the crowds.
How can anyone despise a time of year when the world around us is brilliantly lit and colorful? I mean isn't it just amazing?
3. FEELING IN THE AIR: Yes, it exists. Some sort of unified oneness that seems to put a skip in your step and a smile on your face. If it didn't exist, then how could there be so many Songs centered around it? How come I keep hearing from people about "that feeling." Just take a look at Twitter and Facebook and you will see that it consumes us all.
Christmas is the closest we get to "One Love."
4. FAMILY: If it were not for the Holiday season, many people would go years and years without seeing family or loved ones. It is great to reconnect and remember those we love or grew up with, despite the past. Sometimes issues get resolved at Christmas, and sometimes they drag on until the next year. Either way, it is a chance, an opportunity for us to remember what is important and let our emotions run free.
5. THE KIDS: Because that is what it is really about. I do not mean just the young kids, I mean the "kid" in all of us. People who go through life like robots suddenly light up this time of year. Adults get together and sing songs, and we all get excited over lights and trees and candy canes. For once we can let go and allow some magic in to our lives. Adults are just as excited about opening a gift and tracking Santa, even if they do not admit it or if they are "just doing it for the Kids." It is this time of year we feel that Excitement that we only feel as a child, or during certain epic moments in life.
If you are not a religious person, its OK. Christmas is for you too. Christmas is for Everyone. It is simply a Cultural event which celebrates the Winter solstice. It is a compilation of stories, myths, and legends. It is an accumulation of historical facts, some true and some distorted. It is a Festival and a celebration. As long as you look at Christmas from an Anthropological Perspective, you will not need to cringe at the site of a nativity scene, or feel left out of all of the festivities.
