Over the course of my life, Christmas has evolved to new memories and new meanings. As a child I remember being excited about the time spent with family, my grandparents coming over for Christmas Day, or us going to them and decorating the tree. I would be excited about the advent calendars, the time off school and of course, what Santa would bring. I would even go with my parents to church for Christmas services.
Now, however, Christmas is different. I’m still excited to spend time with family and friends, but there is no more prolonged time off now that I work. I’m no longer excited about gifts, as I have plenty in my life, and I no longer go to church. So, what does Christmas mean to me, today?
The defiance of winter. Playing joyful Christmas music against the noise of harsh winds. Putting up decorations to brighten up, not just the home, but the community. Christmas lights that banish the darkness. Breaking bread and feasting with loved ones, both family and friends, and bringing warmth to the cold of December. Telling stories, having laughs and making memories that will last forever.
What is Christmas without spending time with one another? What is the point of the joy gifts bring, if you don’t share it with others? People and celebration, that is what Christmas means to me. A time to put aside conflicts, extend the warm hand of friendship to all and to celebrate as one.
No more perfect example can be found than when the soldiers of opposing sides met in ‘No Man’s Land’ in 1914, laying down their arms and meeting each other as friends in the Christmas Truce. That is the personification of what this holiday is truly meant to be, and what it truly is.
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