Christmas - 12/25/2008
It's the most wonderful time of the year! December 25th comes but once a year, but it's always best to keep the spirit of Christmas in your heart the other 364 days of the year (365 if it's a Leap Year!)
Starting with the day after Thanksgiving, the joy of the Christmas season is celebrated in a month long observation known as Advent, leading up to Christmas Eve on December 24th and finally Christmas Day.
The first Christmas came when Jesus Christ was born to the Blessed Mother Mary in a humble stable in Bethlehem. She and her husband, Joseph were traveling from their home and there was no room at the inn. The innkeeper allowed the young couple to stay in the stables for the night in the company of animals. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Holy Family was then visited by three Wise Men from different nations, bearing gifts to the child. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and the gifts of the Magi -- the Three Wise Men -- with gift giving to friends and family.
Colorfully wrapped presents are placed underneath the Christmas tree, glittering with tinsel, lights and ornaments. The presents are brought by a ripe, jolly old elf named Santa Claus, based on St. Nicholas (St. Nick). Santa Claus is one of the most recognizable symbols throughout the season with his bright red suit trimmed in white fur -- great for keeping warm at the North Pole all the rest of the days of the year while he and his elves build toys!
Some more modern Christmas traditions besides a family dinner and gift-giving include watching various versions of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on television, or even "A Christmas Story" with young Ralphie who desperately wants a Red Ryder B.B. Gun. Cartoon Christmas specials are also popular, such as Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch," "Frosty the Snowman," and Charlie Brown.
Several other cultures have Winter Holidays, too. The Jewish faith has Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights commemorating the miracle of and the re-consecration of the Temple. Muslims pray and fast throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Practitioners of Earth-based religions celebrate the Winter Solstice and Yule (although Yule and the tradition of the yule log and mistletoe was also adopted by Christians).
No matter whether you wish anyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays, it's the thought and spirit behind the season of giving with peace on earth and good will towards men that counts!
