“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
Take a look at the five and ten
It’s glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow”
As Michael Bublé sings in his song “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, the festive feeling of glimmer, shimmer, and joy starts springing from everywhere from the very beginning of December, because it is not just for one day. As the season begins, the air is filled with the enchanting melodies of Christmas carols, the warmth of glowing lights, and an ambrosial aroma of freshly baked treats. Christmas is indeed a time-honored celebration that transcends borders and cultures and unites people in the spirit of joy and cherished traditions.
According to the Gregorian Calendar, the 25th of December is celebrated annually not just by Christians but also by people all over the world commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary. Shortening the English word Christ’s Mass, people call this day, “Christmas Day” which is both a religious and a cultural celebration. Before the 4th Century AD Christmas was celebrated secretly by Christians and the feast of Christmas began during the time of the Roman Emperor, Constantine who made Christianity a legal religion. Now it is celebrated by giving gifts to loved ones, exchanging greeting cards, feasting with family and friends, singing carols, and most importantly decorating a Christmas tree and symbolic decorations of Bethlehem. Christians celebrate this day by attending church, singing, praying, and having Bible readings from the Gospels that tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
The sight of twinkling lights, adorned trees, and festive decorations is synonymous with Christmas. Nowadays, if we take a glance around the surroundings, we will see that Christmas Day has more to it than just the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Lifestyles, Pop culture, culinary and fashion trends have changed because of commercial celebrations related to Christmas. Erecting huge decorative Christmas trees at shopping malls, Christmas carnivals, selling Christmas cakes, and sugar cookies, giving festive discounts, releasing new Christmas songs and plays, hosting Christmas parties, and a lot more exciting seasonal activities are there that add up to the vibe of the Christmas season making it merrier.
One thing that we cannot forget when it comes to Christmas is Santa Claus or the Father of Christmas. Santa Claus or simply the Santa, a legendary character that has continued to make everyone’s childhood full of surprises and memorable has originated from the gift-giving practice of a Bishop named Saint Nicholas to poor children in a village in Greece. This influenced a custom among people to be more generous and be the reason for someone’s happiness throughout this season and that is why it is called the time of love, joy, and happiness of the year.
Every December comes with chill weather along with rainy days ringing the bells of the festive atmosphere that brings everyone’s hearts closer and closer. Christmas gives hope and love to every being on this Earth following God’s message that Jesus Christ preached to the world. It is a day that has a special place in the hearts of you and me. Whether you celebrate Christmas for its religious significance, cultural significance, or simply as a time to connect with your loved ones may your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and the magic of Christmas.
Written by: Shakya Rathnatilake
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