The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is the annual celebration of Jesus Christ’s birthday. Though the true meaning of the holiday is to remember our Savior, it became secularized  with the appearance of Christmas trees in the 16th century and commercialized with the rise in popularity of Santa Claus in the 19th century. Now the biggest holiday of the year, Christmas may lose its true meaning in the midst of presents and Santa.

Santa Claus is a major figure during Christmas and the character actually originated from St. Nicholas, a 3rd century saint who was known for giving gifts to the less fortunate. Theology teacher Mrs. Ascik believes that Santa, while based on a saint, has become too commercialized and that St. Nicholas has been left out from the celebration of Christmas. She feels the religious aspects should be a priority over the commercial aspects.

Mrs. Ascik is especially looking forward to Christmas this year because it is her first year being married during the holidays. Her favorite tradition is decorating her tree and feels it is “a time when we get to celebrate the fact that God gave us Himself.”

 Theology teacher Mr. Goodier also keeps Jesus as his top priority, which influences the amount of money he spends and his expectations for receiving gifts. He enjoys the bright lights and festive music, especially “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Growing up, his favorite holiday tradition was going to Mass on Christmas Eve at St. John’s in New York City. Mr. Goodier says his faith in Jesus Christ, “compels [him] to see Christmas as the greatest gift that [he’s] been given.” He encourages all people to place a manger scene under their tree to help them honor the true gift of Christmas and to not forget the history behind the holiday.

While Jesus will always be Lord and Savior, some may regard his birth as less important than gifts and material things. It is important to always remember the cause of the Christmas season: the birth of Christ. Like Mrs. Ascik says, “no matter which culture we live in or decade the meaning of Christmas doesn't change.”