Christmas is one of the more interesting observances on the Christian calendar. Long declared a holiday celebrated in December, Christmas Day has become bundled with several other holidays observed between the end of November and the end of December, including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Because this period includes multiple religious and cultural commemorations, recent years have seen it broadly labeled as “the holidays” in the interest of political correctness. For Christians, however, this period will always be the Christmas season.
Christians, who represent a large percentage of South Florida’s population, appear especially determined this year to emphasize that the season marks the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. On several occasions, greetings of “Happy Holidays” have been met with the firm response, “Merry Christmas.” More retailers have also displayed “Merry Christmas” banners this year than in recent seasons, and greeting card stores report selling more Christmas cards than generic holiday cards.
A local Pentecostal pastor offered an interesting observation, noting that the challenges of recent times are driving more people to seek hope in Christ, contributing to the renewed emphasis on Christmas.
“People need hope more than ever these days,” the pastor said. “They are hoping for jobs, trying to save their homes from foreclosure, seeking better salaries, stronger families and love. They see those hopes reflected in the Christmas message—the birth of Christ, the Messiah, born to bring hope and salvation to a troubled world.”
While people of different religious beliefs may not share the pastor’s view, it is undeniable that Christmas—and the season surrounding it—generates a sense of hope and optimism among a large portion of the population wherever it is celebrated.
During Christmas, generosity often flourishes. People who complained of being strapped for cash throughout the year somehow find money to spend on friends, relatives and themselves. Strangers become friendlier, exchanging greetings of joy, blessings and happiness. Many people become more charitable, reaching out to feed the hungry and provide gifts for the poor—especially children who might otherwise go without.
At the same time, the season can cloud judgment. Some spend recklessly, ignoring the reality that excessive holiday spending can lead to debt in the new year. While such spending may boost the economy, it can strain individuals and families who cannot afford it. Still, many are swept up in the spirit of generosity, holding on to the hope that the coming year will bring blessings to offset the excesses of the season.
Yet, despite the kindness, joy, nostalgic music and hopeful message, Christmas is fleeting. In the United States, the festivity often ends abruptly at midnight on December 25, vanishing like Cinderella’s coach and replaced by the pumpkin of everyday reality. In contrast to the Caribbean, where the season lingers longer, Christmas in America passes quickly. Still, for some, the warmth and message of hope endure. Those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas wish that its kindness, goodwill and love would extend into the year ahead. Their refrain is often, “Every day should be like Christmas.”
Of course, every day cannot be Christmas. Once the decorations are packed away and visiting relatives return home, life resumes, along with its challenges. Nonetheless, Christmas serves as an important reminder. As the pastor suggested, it offers hope to a burdened people.
The season proves that kindness, sacrifice and goodwill are possible. While most people cannot spend freely year-round—stocking cupboards, buying new furniture or purchasing toys without restraint—they can preserve the true spirit of Christmas, even if they are not Christians. They can continue to love and respect one another as they themselves wish to be loved and respected.
That, when all the fuss ends on December 25, is—or should be—the lasting legacy of Christmas.
May that message resonate long after the season ends.
