Is it Time to Re-think Christmas?

Why I celebrate Solstice, a day of renewal.

I am not part of the Christian religion and I don’t support consumerism. Now that many of us are officially elders, it’s our responsibility to help create change—hopefully rooted in the wisdom we’ve gained. I’ve been thinking it may be time to readjust our mid-winter celebrations.

First, this holiday sure wouldn’t be a suitable remembrance of a religious leader known for simplicity and giving to others. Some of you may recall back in the eighties someone making a lot of money selling wristbands labeled WWJD, What Would Jesus Do.

If Jesus showed up today, he’d be shocked and dismayed that Americans each spend an average of $998.00 on gifts, trees, and bling created in China. And this figure’s going up every year.

We all know Jesus wasn’t even born in December.

Nobody knows for sure when Jesus was born, but it was not December. Here’s an article by a well-researched Christian author who believes the research shows Jesus’ birthday party should be in September.

So, why not step back and recognize the date as a Christian celebration? Why not have a day of service, giving to the needy, and quiet reflection of Jesus’ teachings instead of a day associated with overeating and over-consumption?

Why not have holidays for other religious figures?

Gradually, over the last 100 years, many recognize that just because that’s the way things have always been does not mean that’s the way they should stay.

Before things change, somebody has to question the status quo. I’m old enough to know it’s dangerous to talk to your friends and family about politics—and religion. I learned this truth from experience!

It’s not my best trait, but I do enjoy a good argument, I mean…discussion. One day I thought I’d refute a friend’s assertion that he was a Christian, because, by golly, he was born in America. So I asked him what are the basic tenets of the faith? He hemmed and hawed but couldn’t answer the question.

I told him that Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have shared roots in ancient Abraham -- yes, the Abraham of the Old Testament. He thought I was lying. Our discussion did not end well.

My point? Why do so many people celebrate a religious holiday they don’t understand? And is it time to consider doing things differently?

The world is a diverse place. Everyone is not a Christian.

In fact, the United States is far less religious than ever before. The reasons why are a discussion for another article but we need to respect others' rights to follow their own spiritual practice or none at all.

Look at this chart and realize that the phrase percentage of U.S. adults who identify as includes people like the friend I mentioned above.

Also notice that church attendance continues to decrease and those who consider themselves unaffiliated are rising fast.

I know that some people would prefer that the United States declared itself a Christian nation. However, the First Amendment states that the country shall have no official religion.

Why do I bring this up? Because Christmas is confusing!

Either it is a religious holiday or it recalls the days when Romans, Celts, Vikings, Pagans, and more feasted, decorated their homes with evergreens and celebrated the Winter Solstice.

I think it’s important to separate the two in our minds and our culture. It is not a mandatory celebration, folks.

Christmas can be lonely and depressing for many people.

Of all the 365 days in the year, this one has the greatest societal expectations. Exhortations to be merry, to deck the halls, and jingle your bells ring across the airwaves and the aisles of local stores. Memories of days and loved ones past, tend to fill our minds, though.

Parents feel compelled to spend money they probably shouldn’t to fill the stockings and expectations of children. Most large family gatherings, sad to say, do not lead to intimate conversations and happy memories. Too many people, too much noise, and often too much drinking, is the norm.

Unmet expectations are the source of most holiday blues.

Have you considered downsizing the holiday—or skipping it?

My ideal mid-winter holiday would acknowledge the Solstice, that day when the shortening days of winter switch, without notice, to begin the slow movement towards spring. It’s an absolute, always-happens-fact-of-nature we can all agree on.

This day would involve a bonfire, good food, singing, and maybe some dancing. How about some old-fashioned storytelling? Maybe a guitar? It seems spending the day appreciating nature would be best.

No gifts at all. I grew up where it was cold and ice skating and sledding would be a bonus, in my mind. There would be minimum preparation, a very small budget, and little cleanup.

Friends and loved ones could continue their spiritual practices, either alone or in the company of others of similar beliefs. Each of us could celebrate the birth of our spiritual leaders apart from a national holiday.

Think about how that 850 billion dollars plus could be spent.

Take your Christmas budget and spend it on a vacation with your family. Really whoop it up on your loved ones' birthdays. Donate it to valuable nonprofits working for causes you believe in. Or just put it in your savings account.

My goal is just to plant the idea in your head. The world changes, families change, hopefully, we all change—and that is as it should be. If something isn’t working, and I don’t believe this holiday is, let’s think about something new.

Don’t get me wrong. I love fun and parties and gifts. But I do believe we should make decisions with intention, not just follow traditions.

And yes, like always, feel free to leave your comments. What’s working great and not so well, in the holiday known as Christmas? What would your ideal mid-winter celebration involve?

Cindy Heath is a writer passionate about helping others enjoy nature, growing vegetables, and questioning the world. Join the conversation.