“Isn’t there anyone who can explain what Christmas truly means?” Charlie Brown laments, arms outstretched in frustration. This moment from the classic holiday specials is one of my favorites. Both Seuss and Schultz had a knack for tugging at our heartstrings.
Enter Linus, clutching his questionable hygiene security blanket, ready to enlighten Charlie. “Absolutely, Charlie Brown! I can share what Christmas is all about,” he declares before reciting a Bible verse regarding the birth of Jesus Christ. And each time I hear it, it goes right over my head, much like those iconic adults in the background with their trombone sounds.
As someone with a mixed religious background—my mother’s lineage is Jewish and my father’s is Episcopalian (or perhaps Methodist, one of those Protestant variations)—I don’t just celebrate Christmas; I also embrace Hanukkah. Yes, I’m bi-religious. I navigate between both worlds, and as a result, I encounter plenty of memes and bumper stickers suggesting I’m doing the holidays all wrong.
I don’t regularly attend church or temple. My knowledge of (C)han(n)uk(k)a(h) primarily comes from a rather amusing Rugrats episode (sorry, Grandma), while my understanding of the Bible mostly stems from the rants of pundits on Fox News and a few Simpsons parodies. Consequently, according to numerous online sentiments, I’m apparently an abomination, contributing to the decline of our cherished Christian society.
I have to challenge that notion. First off, if Jesus is indeed the reason for the season, then why are we celebrating in December? That month was likely chosen to align with pagan Winter Solstice traditions. Additionally, “decking the halls with boughs of holly” originated from pagan customs that the early Church sought to suppress. And this idea of “putting the Christ back in Christmas”? Please, excuse me while I embrace my inner Cartman: “Whatever. I do what I want.”
If for you, Christmas represents a religious observance of your faith’s leader’s birth—fantastic! Celebrate it and savor it. But let’s remember, the holiday season carries different meanings for others.
For me, it’s about lighting the menorah candles while my non-Jewish dad sings a hilariously off-key “Happy Chanukah to you!” and we all embrace in a group hug. It’s my grandfather reciting blessings over the candles as my extended family gathers for latkes and applesauce. For a friend, Christmas means putting on a family pageant that includes news reporters and even Spiderman. For another friend, it’s getting all the kids together and lining them up by age to rush downstairs for presents under the tree. And for yet another, it’s the tradition of hiding a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree for everyone to find.
Christmas traditions can be peculiar, but they are also unique and delightful—just like Charlie Brown’s scraggly little Christmas tree.
The true essence of Christmas isn’t in Linus’s Biblical recitation. It resides in that quirky tree. Its oddness makes it beautiful, stemming from a place of love and care. The special concludes with the tree transformed into a vibrant symbol of holiday spirit through the efforts of Charlie Brown and his quirky little family.
That, to me, embodies the holiday spirit: family. It’s about sharing moments with those you love—whether they are related by blood or chosen—and celebrating them in whatever way feels right.
As for organized religious observances, they represent a celebration of my heritage. I cherish lighting the candles on my well-worn menorah, a cherished heirloom from my great-grandmother. I find joy in knowing she lit those candles every 25th of Kislev, just as I do now. Similarly, I adore unwrapping presents under the tree, not just for the gifts, but because it’s a tradition passed down through generations from my father and his parents.
While some may see acknowledging two religions as contradictory, it makes perfect sense to me. I won’t dismiss those who wish to incorporate Christ into their Christmas or who find spiritual meaning in the religious aspects of the holidays. Clearly, for Linus, Christmas is about that passage from Luke 2:4-14, and the beauty of his joy in reciting it is undeniable. I suspect that passage is what unites the Schultz family every year.
What does concern me is when others impose their beliefs on everyone else. It’s disheartening to see anger directed at stores for opting for “Happy Holidays” over “Merry Christmas.” “Happy Holidays” doesn’t exclude Christmas; it embraces everyone, including those like me who don’t neatly fit into the mainstream Christian narrative. It’s a warm acknowledgment of all who celebrate, whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or the modern spellings of Hanukkah. Personally, I think Jesus would appreciate that inclusivity. After all, he likely celebrated Chanukah too. So, this Christmas, place the Christ wherever you feel it belongs.
In summary, the holiday season is about family and love, celebrating diverse traditions, and recognizing that everyone’s holiday experience is unique. Embrace the quirks and charm in your celebrations, whether they’re religious or simply about being together.
Keyphrase: True Meaning of Christmas
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