Christmas, celebrated every December 25, is a holiday that beautifully intertwines sacred reverence with global festivity. This beloved day has united people for more than two thousand years through customs ranging from religious observance to cultural celebration. Christmas is a very spiritual time for Christians to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure in their religion. This day serves as a powerful reminder of hope, love, and redemption since his teachings have inspired generations. Beyond its religious origins, however, Christmas has evolved into a widely accepted holiday with many traditions that cheer people and make houses more welcoming.
Since 1870, Christmas Day has been a federal holiday in the US, allowing people to spend a moment to think, relax, and enjoy the wonder of the season. Whether honored as a cultural custom or as a holy day, Christmas is a celebration of the eternal strength of joy, goodwill, and connection. Therefore, let’s embrace the spirit of Christmas—a season that reminds us of the beauty of giving, the comfort of being together, and the hope of a brighter tomorrow—as the snow falls (or even if it doesn’t) and homes are illuminated with festive lights.
A Christmas Carol, a classic story by Charles Dickens, influenced how people thought about Christmas in addition to providing entertainment. In Victorian England and America, its sincere message of kindness and charity touched a deep chord, encouraging people to embrace the holiday as a time for generosity and compassion. In the meantime, Christmas was the ideal time to offer children love and presents guilt-free due to changing family relations in the early 1800s and an increasing emphasis on children’s emotional health.
The Catholic and Episcopalian churches’ customs and practices, as well as immigrant traditions, served as inspiration for Americans as they adopted Christmas as a family-oriented celebration. For the following century, these influences merged to create uniquely American traditions such as the exchange of gifts, holiday card writing, and tree decoration. Even though many people thought they were celebrating old customs, Americans had redesigned Christmas, making it a celebration that mirrored the values and aspirations of a fast-changing society.
The legend of St. Nicholas, a Turkish monk from the fourth century, is the origin of Santa Claus, the well-known Christmas icon. Known for his boundless generosity, St. Nicholas became a protector of sailors and children and donated his money to the underprivileged. In the late 1700s, Dutch immigrants brought his legacy to America by celebrating “Sinter Klaas,” which eventually led to the creation of the title “Santa Claus.”
The modern image of Santa began to take shape in 1822 when Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas” described a jolly, sleigh-riding figure delivering gifts. Moore’s idea was brought to life in 1881 by artist Thomas Nast, who depicted Santa as the happy, red-suited character we are familiar with today, complete with a sack full of goodies and a flowing white beard. Santa Claus became a beloved symbol of holiday joy all around the world thanks to this picture.
In Sri Lanka, Christmas is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, bringing together people of all faiths in a joyful display of festivity. Families make new outfits and hang shimmering lights, and homes are meticulously cleaned, painted, and decked out in decorations in the weeks before December 25. Despite the majority being Buddhist, Christmas has become a popular holiday in Sri Lanka, especially for families with kids who excitedly decorate their trees and celebrate the season. The festive meal often involves turkey, and seasonal treats like mince pies, Breudher, and Christmas cake are diligently made. A sense of community and goodwill is fostered when Christian families share platters of festive sweets with their non-Christian neighbors, in keeping with Sri Lankan hospitality.
The festive atmosphere intensifies as Christmas approaches, blending seamlessly into New Year celebrations. Seasonal decorations adorn streets, stores, and workplaces, while lively shopping festivals provide attractive offers. To share happiness and compassion, churches conduct charming carol services during which groups sing door-to-door or visit hospitals and orphanages. Midnight mass on Christmas Eve marks the beginning of the holy day, and the night is illuminated by firecrackers. The excitement continues into Christmas Day with church services and joyful meals as families get together to exchange gifts and eat cake and champagne. This season of love, sharing, and unity comes to a peaceful end on Boxing Day, which falls on December 26.
Saumya Thathsarani
