Millions of people have grown up with Christmas celebrations and carols that many still find soothing and enjoyable.
Many millions of Christians (and even some non-believers) have grown up and lived with the Christmas spirit. Christmas was, and still is, all about love, sharing, peace, and unity, as we have learned since childhood. However, other ideas have recently emerged and have begun to take root here and there.
Let’s focus on the United States, for example. It’s a country known for its extravagant celebrations and beautiful Christmas trees. But today, for political correctness, secularism, or to be inoffensive, speaking about “Christmas” at school in many regions of this country is prohibited. And even worse, the Christmas tree (in locations where it’s still permissible to put one up) has had its festive name diluted to the “Year-End Celebration” tree.
It makes you question why we have to deprive some people of their holiday that makes them happy, simply because someone else doesn’t participate or doesn’t trust it. Would it not be better to use this as an opportunity to teach the younger generation about “living in harmony”?
Today we see plenty of articles or blog posts where many complain or criticize the schools’ ban on visits from Santa Claus and the disappearance of Christmas trees in many places in the United States, France, etc. This is happening in places where, traditionally, these trees were put up every year, much to the delight of hundreds or thousands of passers-by. It seems that secularism today isn’t synonymous with diversity, tolerance, cultural exchange, or knowing or learning from each other.
Why not celebrate Christmas when those who have always done so have done so for love, sharing, joy, life, and light?
Why not celebrate Christmas when we hear stories about the number of “unofficial truces” on the fronts between English and German soldiers during the First World War – short truces that enabled soldiers from both sides to exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols before resuming battle?
Why not celebrate Christmas? Even in this challenging situation, this holiday may have given the next soldier to be killed a chance to have lived a little bit longer, even if just long enough to enjoy a Christmas carol.
Why not celebrate Christmas, the magical day when children receive gifts, people go to church, others stay at home to pray, and groups take the opportunity to make donations? In contrast, still, others are happy to celebrate and enjoy the moment, and when for thousands of people, it’s simply the most beautiful day in their short lives?
Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and secular holidays have always existed. They have survived the test of time; they have co-existed… That’s the magic word… Yet today, we find ourselves at this point…
Anyway, for those who love Christmas, the end may be coming soon. So, if somewhere you happen to see a Christmas tree or Santa Claus in person, approach quickly, as the party appears to be almost over.
Francklin Pierre
Caribbean Social Communicator,
Community manager.
Promotor of Self-Leadership, Travel Safety,
Cultural Exchange and Culture of peace