Tuesday, December 18, 2007The Meaning of Christmas
-
There are many misconceptions about Christmas traditions among people who don’t celebrate, or people who didn’t grow up in countries that do celebrate the holiday. ESL students have many questions about the holiday that even teachers are unable to explain. This is my version of the answer to the question “What’s the meaning of Christmas?”
-
-
Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the son of God. Christmas today is still celebrated as a religious holiday, but it has also become a huge celebration for both religious and non-religious people.
-
At Christmas children receive presents from “Santa Claus”, a magical being, if they have been good all year. Family, friends, and co-workers exchange presents; there are many parties and special events to celebrate the season, people decorate their homes and businesses elaborately.
-
-
Many people believe that Christmas has become too commercial, and that stores and businesses encourage consumers to spend a great deal of money in order to have a “perfect” Christmas.
-
Yet, there is no one idea of what a “perfect” Christmas is. The holiday is supposed to be a time of love and joy, but for many people the stresses of shopping, cooking, decorating and celebrating are overwhelming.
-
-
People are too busy getting ready for the holiday and don’t really enjoy it. People are sometimes too exhausted to appreciate the simple aspects of the season: a beautiful tree, an act of kindness, a touching song, or the love of a family.
-
-
Merry Christmas! POSTED BY Cecelia Sumi AT 12:15 AM
|