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Christmas is a holiday worth celebrating

The word “Christmas” what does it really mean to each of us, to all of us? To begin with what is it? Simply it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ done in accordance with the tenets of one’s religious faith.

The word “Christmas” what does it really mean to each of us, to all of us?

To begin with what is it? Simply it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ done in accordance with the tenets of one’s religious faith. Why do we celebrate this wondrous event? Why do we prepare for this wonderful occasion? What is it about this holiday that we enjoy so and dearly anticipate so much? What is the proper terminology to use when greeting our fellow man during this season? Great questions and wonderful ideas on which to ponder.

Christmas is the annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ the son of God. This important festival is generally held on Dec. 25 of each calendar year. Some peoples though, such as the Ukrainians, celebrate this day on Jan. 6 according to their calendar

Christians commemorate this wonderful occasion all over the world. Under many tyrannical governments, Christians have had to celebrate this important date away from public scrutiny, and unfortunately in some parts of the world it has to be observed “behind closed doors”.

Christians enjoy this great day in many different ways. They differ in the timing of their celebration, in the foods they eat and the places they go, as well as the customs they follow.

This is a time of year where mankind is enlightened by the knowledge they all will be recognized by their fellow men and relatives by the Christmas card, a timeless classic. It is a time when, as we acquire new relationships as well as rekindle old ones.

We enjoy our festive season in many ways during the month of December by cocktail or dinner parties with our friends and family and of course Christmas parties. While Christmas dances were extremely popular a few years back, these functions have unfortunately largely fallen from popularity. However, we are told many of these types of gatherings are making a comeback.

Christmas concerts and school Christmas parties are wonderful times for children, as well the parents and grandparents.

There are the instances where “tipping a few” is practiced, which some do to the extreme, endangering their own enjoyment as well as that of others so I caution everyone to please not over indulge.

We enjoy the spirit of the season in many ways, such as decorating with trees and garland and displaying Christmas lights at our homes, businesses and city streets.

Something that has long been a Christmas tradition is the exchanging of gifts. Many have argued in recent years this is not celebrating Christmas, but rather commercializing it. In some instances this may be so, but it should not to be discontinued as gift exchanging is a wonderful thing and can easily be accomplished in moderation.

I do not feel this habit can be anywhere near as stressful as Boxing Day sales!

Of course Santa Claus is a tradition enjoyed in many parts of the world and what more could be exciting to young children? While Santa has been over-worked by many commercial outlets, he still is an integral part of many children’s lives.

There are those who have long claimed Christmas is nothing more than a myth. They, however, have not proved or convinced us we are dreamers. Many of us at Christmas experience a bit of euphoria and well we should, as this is the culmination of the year’s efforts, as well as the day of Christ’s birth.

What could we do to improve this great event? We must always continue to celebrate this time of year in a happy and thoughtful manner, forever remembering our humble beginnings and be grateful for our blessings. We must never part from this important tradition. We must always be cognizant of those who are less fortunate than many of us, and attempt to make them as comfortable and happy as possible. For many recipients of our generosity, it helps them to overcome the challenges they face at this time of year.

There are those who are atheists and if these people truly are not Christians or members of other faiths, they are welcome to their beliefs. That is a privilege of living in this great country of Canada.

There are people in this great country who are of Buddhist, Islamic and Jewish faith who insist, although they are not Christians, they want to be greeted at Christmas time with the traditional salutations of “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year”. The foregoing words are the proper terminology to be used when one greets other folks at Christmas time.

I am also aware there are those who may feel they are somewhat of an authority and say it is prudent the above greetings must not be used for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. Whose feelings, I would question? Bah humbug! We are a country of more than 90 percent Christians. While we must respect the customs and festivities of other faiths, and I believe the overwhelming majority of Canadians do, with great conviction, respect our Christmas customs, greetings and festivities which were established by our forefathers when they settled this great country.

In closing, I would like to share a poem which I found in an old book, and one which I feel most appropriate at this time----

“ The Christmas lamp is burning as it did once long ago,

And friendship’s light is glowing across earth-hiding snow,

The Christmas lamp is bringing Peace from heaven above

And messages from God, Himself, to absent ones we love”.

To all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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