DISCLAIMER: I just have to throw this out there because I know I’m probably going to offend someone even though that is not my intention whatsoever. I respect everyone’s beliefs, whether they are different from mine or the same. That is the beauty of the world and our differences give us something to talk about and see things from perspectives that are different from our own. These are just MY personal thoughts and opinions and you are free to disagree or agree.

Christmas is a holiday celebrating and remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, which most Christians celebrate. Which is what Christmas is, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, hence the name Christmas. There are some controversies around the holiday because even before Jesus was born, there were other celebrations going on around this time of year, but Christmas itself–the holiday people all over the world celebrate–is the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Okay Sarah, what are you getting at?” I kinda have a problem with how the holiday has moved away from the main reason for celebrating. It is no longer centered around Jesus Christ… it is centered around presents, Santa, decorating, and literally everything but Jesus. If you look at today’s Christmas music, most songs have nothing to do with the Jesus and instead revolve around Christmas trees, significant others, sex, presents, drinking, snow, etc. Now don’t get me wrong, I love some of these songs! All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey is one of my favorite Christmas songs EVER. It just bothers me that not many people acknowledge the birth of Jesus. It has become a completely secular holiday and doesn’t involve Christ or church as much anymore.

If you’re confused with the point I’m trying to make, let me give an example of another religious holiday. My family is from India and the main religion in India is Hinduism. Diwali is one of the main holidays of Hinduism. Although I am Indian, I don’t celebrate Diwali because it is a Hindu holiday and I don’t feel right celebrating a holiday that is not part of my religion and I don’t want to disrespect Hinduism by appropriating their religion. I’ve attended Diwali programs here in my hometown, but they are more of a cultural experience to educate people who are not familiar with Diwali or the Indian culture, and it is open to everyone of all beliefs. But we don’t go home and actually celebrate and do all the rituals or put up lights because it is not Christian. I hope I am making sense? But I do know it is important to Hindus, so I try to acknowledge the religious aspect of it because it’s not all about the parties and the fancy Indian clothes. I was even asked to emcee a Diwali program years ago and we went into depth about the beliefs and why Hindus celebrate the holiday. I know a lot some people sometimes go to Diwali events to learn more about the culture and beliefs (main reason why I’ve gone because I don’t want to be ignorant of their beliefs), but I also know some people just go because it’s an excuse to be part of something different and “cool.” (I could go into a whole new post on cultural appropriation but not right now lol) My main point is that most people acknowledge and respect the fact that it is a Hindu holiday and don’t sexualize the holiday or turn it into something that it is not. It is still viewed as a religious holiday. There are other holidays besides Diwali which are still completely revolved around the respected religion or country because it is considered disrespectful otherwise to celebrate. In today’s society, people get upset if you celebrate certain holidays without acknowledging the true meaning of that holiday or the country where it originated (i.e. cultural appropriation).

But Christmas on the other hand… like what happened?? I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the lights and Santa. But why is it okay to celebrate a religious holiday without the religious aspect of it? Companies have completely commercialized it and it has become a money-making scheme. The holiday season is fun, but it has also become a stressful time for many when you have to decorate, buy gifts for people, spend a ton of money on some of these gifts, and companies take full advantage of it. Not only that, but I have seen people completely cut out Christ out of the holiday; don’t listen to the religious songs, don’t go to church, don’t even acknowledge Christ, but still put up a Christmas tree (which technically has nothing to do with the birth of Christ as well if I’m being completely real), throw Christmas parties, and give/receive gifts on December 25th. I honestly don’t know how the birth of Christ branched out into all this, but everyone has picked up all these secular traditions over the years and made it “Christmas” while taking out the real meaning of it, which is Jesus. And Santa, by the way, also has religious connections which no one acknowledges anymore. “Santa” was originated from St. Nicholas, who was a monk and later became a saint, and is the patron saint of sailors, children, wolves and pawnbrokers, and other various things.

I am 100% aware I am making a huge deal out of this and it’s really not that deep, lol. I really don’t know why I’m so bothered by this. I guess it’s been something that has been bothering me for the past couple of years because I think as a society, we have become more mindful, open, respectful to different cultures and beliefs. Which is AMAZING!! Especially as a South Indian Orthodox Christian woman, I love seeing people be more appreciative and willing to learn about my culture and faith. But then when it comes to Christmas, all of that respect goes in the trash. I guess my whole point of this post is to bring awareness? I am not here to be a grinch and tell all my non-Christian friends and readers not to celebrate Christmas. I am not here to put down other religious beliefs. I am just here to say to be mindful of the fact that Christmas is a Christian holiday, so if you choose to take part in the festivities, don’t forget to acknowledge the reason for the season… the birth of Jesus Christ.

Check out my last post: I Don’t Know Fashion: Sweaters and Boots
Check out my holiday gift guide: Holiday Gift Guide 2019 (for men and women!)