Christmas, as we know it today, has many customs and traditions that have evolved over centuries. Originally, it was a solemn religious observance, a day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. In its early days, Christmas was less about festivity and more about introspection and worship. However, through centuries of cultural shifts and economic influence, it has transformed into a vibrant holiday—a kaleidoscope of lights, trees, gifts, and a jolly, bearded man in a red suit. But how did we get from there to here, and what does it mean for us today?
A Journey from Religion to Pop Culture
The roots of Christmas lie deep in the Christian tradition, with December 25th being chosen as the date to celebrate Jesus’ birth. The earliest celebrations were humble, centered around the church, prayers, and time spent with loved ones. It wasn’t until much later, during the 16th century in Germany, that the idea of a Christmas tree took root, quite literally. The evergreen tree symbolized everlasting life, and it was Martin Luther who is said to have popularized decorating it with candles to represent the stars shining over Bethlehem.
Fast-forward to the 19th century, when Christmas underwent a significant transformation, particularly in the English-speaking world. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol helped paint Christmas as a time of generosity, warmth, and family—a time of joy for everyone, regardless of faith. The Victorians brought us many of the festive traditions we still celebrate, such as cards, carols, and the practice of exchanging gifts.
And then, there was Santa Claus. Inspired by Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity, Santa Claus took on his modern form through various cultural influences. By the 20th century, the image of Santa solidified thanks, in part, to an unexpected partner: Coca-Cola. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola’s advertising campaign gave us the rotund, red-suited Santa we all recognize today. This clever marketing transformed a folklore figure into a commercial icon, emblematic of the holiday season’s growing association with consumerism.
Different Ways of Celebrating Around the World
Christmas traditions vary widely across the globe. In Italy, families celebrate with a grand feast on Christmas Eve, known as the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” In Mexico, Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, filling the streets with processions and celebration. In Japan, interestingly, Christmas is not traditionally religious but is seen as a time for spreading joy, often symbolized by a festive meal from KFC—thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s. In Poland, there is a beautiful tradition of setting an extra place at the Christmas Eve dinner table for an unexpected guest, symbolizing hospitality and the welcoming spirit of the season.
Despite these cultural differences, many Christmas celebrations share a common element: the act of giving. Gift-giving has grown from a symbolic gesture—recalling the gifts brought by the Wise Men to the infant Jesus—into an integral, and often overwhelming, aspect of the holiday season. But is this really in line with the spirit of Christmas?
The Gift-Giving Dilemma: Joy or Pressure?
Giving gifts is inherently a kind act—a tangible way of showing love and appreciation. But the commercialization of Christmas has added layers of pressure and expectation. For many, the holiday season is fraught with financial strain, with parents feeling the weight of making Christmas “perfect” for their children and friends agonizing over the “right” gifts. Credit card bills tend to soar, and the debt that follows can leave a sour aftertaste long after the Christmas lights are packed away.
Moreover, there’s the environmental cost. Wrapping paper, plastic packaging, unwanted gifts—many of these items inevitably end up in landfills, adding to the mounting environmental crisis. The pressure to buy and consume seems far removed from the humble birth in Bethlehem that Christmas is meant to honor. The notion of “more” has largely overshadowed the idea of “enough.”
Is the Meaning of Christmas Lost?
It’s worth asking: if Christ were to walk among us today, would he approve of what Christmas has become? Would he recognize the spirit of love, giving, and community, or would he be dismayed by the frenetic shopping sprees and the commercialization of what was once a sacred day?
The heart of Christmas, at least as it was intended, is about togetherness, kindness, and the celebration of hope. It’s about light in the darkness—both literally, as we brighten winter nights with decorations, and metaphorically, as we reach out to those in need. But often, this deeper meaning gets buried beneath the weight of wish lists and shopping carts.
Finding Joy Amidst the Glitter
Yet, despite the commercialism, Christmas still brings undeniable joy to countless people. There is magic in the twinkling lights that line our streets, warmth in the gatherings of friends and family, and meaning in traditions passed down through generations. The laughter of children opening presents, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread wafting through the house, the familiar carols sung by candlelight or “It’s christmas” by Slade and the myriad of Chritmas number ones — these are moments that bring people together, reminding us of the beauty of human connection.
Perhaps the key is balance. Christmas doesn’t have to be about choosing between commercialism and tradition; it can be an opportunity to reshape how we celebrate. We can focus on creating memories rather than accumulating possessions, on sharing experiences rather than extravagant gifts, and on showing love in ways that don’t come with a price tag.
So, as the holiday season approaches, let us embrace the joy it brings but remember the deeper meaning behind it. In doing so, we can honour the true spirit of Christmas—one of love, generosity, and hope—while leaving behind the unnecessary excess.
After all, if there is anything to be learned from the history of Christmas, it is that traditions evolve, but the spirit remains—and it is up to us to keep that spirit alive.
