It has been years since I wrote an editorial about Christmas. In fact, I have been so used saying “Happy Holidays” for all of my online posts that I have forgotten that December 25 is a religious holiday. That is until my mother reminded me that we are Roman Catholics and it is alright for us to say, “Merry Christmas.”
Sadly and ashamedly, my need to be politically correct made me forget that the root word of Christmas is “Christ’s mass” and Christians celebrate it for the birth of our Lord. The event happened 2000 years ago, but it was only on 336 AD during the time of the Emperor Constantine (306-337) that December 25th was designated as the birth of Jesus.
Around 1700 years had passed since then and Christmas had become both a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. During the 20th century, Christmas had become so pervasive that it became seemingly a “secular” holiday with the commercialization of the event.
Whether it is good or bad, I don’t know. As a cradle Catholic, Christmas meant celebrating the four Sunday of Advent then going to church on Christmas Eve night or Christmas Day if we missed the vigil mass.
Yes, there is the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, wreaths, all the lights and decorations plus all the presents. But, that is just the trimmings. They make a big part of the celebration with going to church a mere few hours compared to the time spent Christmas shopping and decorating.
To purists – all the Christmas trimmings are sacrilegious. But to me, they are part and parcel of the celebration. As long as we carry the message of love, sharing and forgiveness that Jesus’ teaches, Christmas remains His holiday!
Merry Christmas everyone!
