Host a Themed Christmas Party

Why settle for a regular Christmas party when you can make it extraordinary with a theme? Themed parties add an extra layer of fun and excitement to your holiday celebrations. Imagine transforming your home into a ‘Winter Wonderland’, complete with snowflakes, shimmering icicles, and white decor, offering guests a magical escape. Or, take a nostalgic trip with a ‘Vintage Christmas’ theme, bringing back the charm of old-timey decorations, classic carols, and perhaps even period costumes. The themes are endless – from ‘Christmas Around the World’ to ‘Festive Pajama Party’. Get creative and make your Christmas party the talk of the town!

Host a Themed Christmas Party

Why settle for a regular Christmas party when you can make it extraordinary with a theme? Themed parties add an extra layer of fun and excitement to your holiday celebrations. Imagine transforming your home into a ‘Winter Wonderland’, complete with snowflakes, shimmering icicles, and white decor, offering guests a magical escape. Or, take a nostalgic trip with a ‘Vintage Christmas’ theme, bringing back the charm of old-timey decorations, classic carols, and perhaps even period costumes. The themes are endless – from ‘Christmas Around the World’ to ‘Festive Pajama Party’. Get creative and make your Christmas party the talk of the town!

Christmas Movie Marathon Night

What’s Christmas without the charm of classic holiday films? Host a Christmas movie marathon night, inviting friends and family to enjoy a line-up of festive favorites. From timeless classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” to contemporary hits like “Elf,” there’s a Christmas movie for everyone. Set the scene with cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and, of course, a bowl of popcorn mixed with some festive treats. Make it interactive with movie trivia or a vote for the next film. This is a perfect way to relax, laugh, and get into the holiday spirit right from the comfort of your living room.

DIY Christmas Decorations

Unleash your creativity this holiday season by making your own Christmas decorations. DIY decor adds a personal touch to your festive celebrations and can be a fun activity for the whole family. Gather some basic supplies like paper, glitter, ribbons, and pinecones, and start creating. From handmade paper snowflakes to pinecone garlands and personalized ornaments, the possibilities are endless. These homemade treasures not only adorn your home but also make heartfelt gifts for loved ones. Get the kids involved too, for a fun-filled family crafting session. It’s a delightful way to add a unique flair to your Christmas decor.

Plan a Vatican Trip for a Spiritual Christmas Experience

For a truly spiritual celebration, consider a Vatican private tour this Christmas. This unique experience offers an intimate exploration of one of Christianity’s most sacred sites. Imagine walking through the hallowed halls and chapels adorned with exquisite art, all while learning about the Vatican’s rich history and its connection to the Christmas story. A private tour allows for a more personalized and reflective experience, away from the crowds. It’s an opportunity to connect with the religious essence of Christmas and witness the timeless beauty of the Vatican in a serene and contemplative setting.

Volunteer for a Charity Event

Christmas is not just about receiving; it’s also about giving back. Volunteering at local shelters or charity events embodies the true spirit of the holiday. Whether it’s serving meals at a homeless shelter, organizing a toy drive for underprivileged children, or participating in a charity fundraiser, giving your time and effort can make a significant difference. It’s a meaningful way to spread joy and compassion during the festive season. Plus, it can be a humbling experience that reminds us of the true essence of Christmas – sharing love and kindness with everyone, especially those who need it the most.

Explore Christmas Markets

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere by visiting Christmas markets, a quintessential holiday experience. These markets, often set in picturesque locations, are a treasure trove of holiday spirit. Stroll through the bustling stalls adorned with lights and festive decorations, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats. Savor the flavors of traditional Christmas delicacies like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. Each market has its unique charm, with live music, carolers, and sometimes even ice-skating rinks, adding to the festive vibe.

Christmas Cooking and Baking Session

Christmas is a time for culinary delights, so why not dive into a cooking and baking session? Whether you’re trying out new festive recipes or sticking to traditional favorites, cooking and baking can be a joyful and bonding family activity. Get creative with Christmas cookies, experiment with gingerbread houses, or bake a classic Yule log cake. Preparing a special Christmas meal, from succulent roasts to flavorful sides, can also be part of the fun.

Recap

As the festive season approaches, these eight interesting ways to celebrate Christmas offer fresh and joyous experiences for you and your loved ones. From hosting a themed party to embarking on a spiritual journey with a Vatican private tour, each idea promises to enrich your holiday season with new traditions and cherished memories. Wishing you a delightful and unforgettable Christmas filled with love, laughter, and festive cheer!

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With thoughtful gift-giving, you can show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. Christmas gift-giving is a time-honored tradition that brings families and friends closer together, and it is a wonderful way to show appreciation for those you care about.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices make great Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or smartwatch, electronic devices are always sure to please. Not only are they useful and versatile, but they are also a great way to stay connected with your loved one during the holidays. From streaming movies and checking emails to playing games and staying in touch with friends, electronic devices are the perfect way to show your appreciation.

Furthermore, electronic devices are a great choice for the budget-conscious. With prices ranging from affordable to luxurious, there is something to fit every budget. Additionally, a gift of a device can provide a loved one with hours of entertainment and productivity. Whether they are a student, a professional, or a creative individual, a device can open up a world of new possibilities.

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances make great Christmas gifts for your loved ones. From blenders and toasters to air fryers and stand mixers, there is something for everyone. Not only are these appliances incredibly useful, but they can also make everyday tasks easier and faster. For budding chef, a gift of a high-quality appliance can help them take their cooking to the next level.

For the tech-savvy individual, a smart kitchen appliance can provide convenience and ease of use. From voice-activated coffee makers to connected ovens, these gadgets can make cooking even more enjoyable. Additionally, these appliances come in a variety of styles, so you can find one that perfectly fits your loved one’s kitchen.

For those who love whipping up desserts, whip cream chargers are a must-have. These chargers can help create a range of creamy desserts and drinks. Whether they are making mousses and pavlovas or coffee drinks, whip cream chargers can make any dessert extra special. Whip cream chargers are a great gift for the baker or dessert lover in your life.

Trips

A surprise trip makes the perfect Christmas gift. It is a unique way to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you while allowing them to experience something new and exciting. Whether it’s a weekend trip to a nearby city or a longer vacation abroad, a surprise trip allows your loved one to create lifelong memories.

A surprise trip allows your loved one to escape the daily grind and experience something completely different. Whether they are exploring a new city or relaxing on the beach, a surprise trip is sure to provide them with a much-needed break from the everyday. An unexpected getaway also gives them the opportunity to explore a new culture, try new foods, and experience a different way of life.

Surprise trips also provide a great opportunity for families and friends to spend quality time together. Whether it’s a weekend away or a longer vacation, a surprise trip allows your loved ones to reconnect, while also creating lasting memories. From sightseeing to trying new activities, a surprise trip can provide the perfect opportunity for family bonding.

Clothing

Clothing is another great option for Christmas gifts and can make a great gift for your loved ones. Whether it be a complete outfit or just a few items, clothing is something that will always be appreciated. Not only are there countless styles to choose from, but clothing can also be personalized to make it extra special. Clothing is a great way to show someone you care and appreciate them.

For a special occasion, a tailored suit or dress is sure to make a lasting impression. Tailored clothing is made to fit the individual perfectly and can be customized to suit their style. A tailored outfit can make a great gift for someone special and will ensure they look their best for any event.

For the fashion-forward individual, a gift of the latest trends or designer clothing can be a great way to show you care. From the latest streetwear to designer pieces, the options are endless. Not only will they appreciate the thought you put into their gift, but they will also stay stylish and on-trend.

For the budget-conscious, second-hand clothing is a great way to save money and still give a unique gift. Shopping at thrift stores or online vintage stores can yield some great finds and will make your loved one feel special. Not only is second-hand clothing affordable, but they are also often one-of-a-kind and environmentally sustainable.

No matter the style, clothing is a great gift for your loved ones this Christmas. From tailored clothing to second-hand pieces, there are plenty of options to choose from. Clothing is a great way to show someone you care and appreciate them, while also helping them stay stylish and on-trend.

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one can be a challenging task. Whether you’re looking for something special, unique, or simply practical, there are plenty of gifts to choose from. With a bit of imagination and thoughtfulness, you can find the perfect Christmas gift for your loved one and make sure they know just how much you care.

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Halls, houses, and lawns are decked with festive decorations. Kitchens are filled with delightful, savory aromas. The air is laced with laughter, familiar music, and the tinkling of Salvation Army bells.

The holiday spirit is everywhere.

But underneath the bright lights, smiles, and cheerful greetings lurks the unseen warehouse of holiday expectations. Somehow, we must top last year, and the year before that. This season must be bigger, better, more colorful, and more delicious. We must somehow make this holiday the best ever.

We have expectations. We have ideas of how this should go, what should happen, and when.

We have expectations of others. Others have expectation of us. We have expectations of ourselves based on what we think others’ expectations are.

Even our culture has expectations. Have the appropriate holiday spirit. Engage in holiday cheer. Fa-la-la-la-la, and all that. Be happy! And above all, buy, buy, buy.

The pressure mounts.

What if we’re not in the mood? What if we’re sad? What if we’ve lost a loved one (or several)? What if we’re depressed?

Holidays are times for reminiscing. Memories of what we once had swim before our eyes. We become hyper-aware of who and what we’ve lost.

Amid the smiling faces, there are wounded hearts.

Grief is lonely thing. Surrounded by gaiety, a broken heart can feel more alone and isolated than ever. No one wants to hurt for the holidays, but some of us do.

If you’re hurting these holidays, what can you do?

Here are three tips for navigating this stressful and emotionally confusing time.

1. Manage those expectations.

One question to ask yourself might be, “Exactly whose game am I playing here?”

Instead of plowing ahead as usual, pause and take a good look at your expectations and plans. What do you want this holiday to be like? What’s honestly possible and realistic? What do you want to do, how, when, and with whom?

This is the season of overwhelm. Take a deep breath and choose to focus on a few things. What’s most important? In your mind, what’s non-negotiable?

Along the way it might be good to let those close to you know you’re doing things differently this year. This will help manage their expectations too. 

2. Make a simple plan to remember loved ones who’ve passed on.

Acknowledge the elephant in the room. Speak their name. Talk about them. Share their story. Invite others to share a special memory or what they miss most.

Holidays are a wonderful time to honor the special people who now reside in our hearts rather than next to us.

3. Be kind to yourself.

You can do more than merely survive. Take your heart and health seriously. Pace yourself. Exercise. Get good nutrition. Hydrate. Rest. Pursue wellness.

If you love yourself well through this time, that love will spill over onto family and friends as well. The best gift you can give them is a healthy you.

Watch those expectations. Decide what’s most important and focus there. Simplify. Honor loved ones who are no longer here. Be kind to yourself along the way.

These holidays might be tough and stressful, but they can still be good. Take your heart seriously and make it so.

Award-winning author, speaker, and grief specialist Gary Roe is a compassionate and trusted voice in grief-recovery who has been bringing comfort, hope, encouragement, and healing to hurting, wounded hearts for more than 30 years. Grab his free eBook, I Miss You: A Holiday Survival Kit, or download a free excerpt of Surviving the Holidays Without You. For more information, visit www.garyroe.com

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My oldest daughter found out young. She was probably six- or seven-years-old at the time and a well-meaning friend mentioned that she herself found out that the Tooth Fairy was fake at a young age while my daughter was, unbeknownst to us, standing in the room behind us. My daughter looked at me with disbelief and she and I both started crying that her naivety had been dashed prematurely. My friend, for what it’s worth, could not stop apologizing for revealing the truth.

My middle daughter was around nine-years-old when she found out courtesy of my first born. She was nonplussed and moved on without suffering any bad feelings over the matter. Her apathy was oddly comforting to me.

My youngest, who’s currently 10 years old started to get suspicious for the first time this year after hearing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” on the car radio. I peeked at her tiny face in the rearview mirror and could see the wheels turning. She asked me if Santa was really Daddy and then before I could answer declared that, yes, that must be it. She then accused me and my husband of being the ones who bought/brought the gifts on Christmas Eve.

And here started my moral dilemma. Of course she was right, and I’d spent her lifetime enforcing the idea of honesty being the best policy. Always tell the truth. Never lie. But, innocence fades so quickly, especially in our social media-obsessed society where everyone knows everything whether they want to or not. And she’s my youngest kid. Her knowing the truth would sadly mark the end of the era of my kids being kids and none the wiser.

Instead of admitting that she was correct, I chickened out and changed the subject. I’m just not ready to burst her bubble. And maybe she can sense that and doesn’t want to burst mine either by telling me that she actually does know the truth. Her sisters get upset with me and urge me to set her straight simply because they’re sick of living the charade themselves. I tell them to hush up and threaten them with punishment if they ever let the cat out of the bag.

To make matters worse, my husband and I go out “Christmas shopping” a lot this time of year now that my teenager is old enough to babysit her sisters. In reality, we just go on a date with each other, but my youngest has asked about this too. She wonders why we need to go Christmas shopping if Santa’s the one who delivers the goods. I answer with yet another falsehood saying that he brings some gifts while we give others. Lies. Lies. Lies. There’s a big box full of presents in my closet that I told the kids to stay away from and this just makes things more confusing for my baby daughter.

I’m guessing this will be the last year that we live this life of deception. I honestly think she’s got it figured out and next comes Easter as well as losing one baby tooth after another. She’ll ask about the Bunny and the Fairy too, no doubt. I picture myself breaking down and admitting the truth sooner rather than later. That mixture of sadness, guilt, and wistfulness flooding through me for the third time in my parental life. I hope she’s easy on me when it happens. After I come clean, I’ll tell her what I told my other two daughters.

Santa is indeed real. No. Not one guy who miraculously travels around the world in one night delivering gifts to millions of kids, but the concept of Santa is alive and well. That the reason we’re all really here is to serve and love. That it’s all about the give and not the get. That they call it the most wonderful time of the year for a reason. Because we’re all idealists in December. We’re all abuzz with hope and positivity and enthusiasm for all that’s good and right with the world. That if we had a hard year, it’s almost over and will end in the warm glow of Christmas cheer preparing us to face the fresh start ahead.

That it’s okay to believe in fantasies. From the time our kids are little we enrich their lives with them. Princesses, fairy tales, dragon slayers…we do all we can to stimulate our offsprings’ imaginations and let the sky be the limit as far as creativity goes. Why stop at Santa and his fellow holiday mascots? Daydreaming and fantasizing can make life liveable when things get tough. I say we encourage those things.

As for my youngest daughter, I’ll let her decide when she no longer “believes”. I certainly won’t be the one to sit her down and tell her that we’ve lied to her all along and that now it’s time to grow up and face reality and to let go of that sort of nonsense. As for you and your kids? Only you can decide when the time is right to tell your kids about Santa. And only you can decide how to explain why you never told them to begin with. And I hope that every kid can understand that their mom and dad always have their best interest at heart in every parenting decision we make. Even the lies.

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Of course, the Christmas wish list is very important! Parents get a chance to see what their children would be happy to get on the big day. The problem with the list is that many kids hope, or even expect, that they’ll receive every single item they’ve listed. Little do they know that Mom and Dad are simply formulating how they’ll afford at least some of what they’re kids want, and only hope they’re able to prioritize and purchase the gifts that their children most want to get. Oh, the stress of it all!

See, when kids are young, dolls, baseball gloves, toy guns, soccer’s balls, Nerf, etc. were all typically within the range of “Santa’s” budget. But starting around seven years of age, the “wish lists” begin to be enough to give Mom and Dad a stroke! The Legos they put on their Christmas list a few years ago were a mere $29. Well, now, that just won’t cut it. This time around they want the 31313 LEGO Mindstorms EV3, which just happens to be over $300. Luckily for you, your wonderful daughter (tomboy, aged 10) said she’d be happy with that since the PlayStation4 she really wants is even more expensive.  When you remind her how pricey her choices are, she says that they really aren’t…since they don’t cost anything…because Santa will bring them!

Touché.

That’s the one major problem with allowing your kids to “believe”. We want to give them the best childhood they can possibly have by allowing the fantasy of Santa, the elves, etc. to be something they look forward to each year, but man, it’s costs a pretty penny to do so! Gone are the good old days of kids being happy with an orange and a few pennies in their stocking on Christmas morn. Kids these days have sophisticated taste and they’re not afraid to ask for the world.

And the world we now live in has very much become an “indoor” one. We’d rather sit inside and stare at screens than live life recreating in the great outdoors. Unfortunately, screens cost an arm and a leg, and happen to become outdated almost as fast as we acquire them. Kids spend so much of their time on phones, tablets, TVs, readers, hand held gaming devices, etc., that they rarely ask for much else on their Christmas wish list. $$$!!!

Is it not time to let kids know that sometimes, Santa is facing a recession, or that their choices are simply insane?! Asking for $300+ gifts is just plain nuts! I think it would be great if Santa would put out a press release and let the world (and especially our greedy little monsters) know that this year, and possibly every year for the next decade or so, that a recession will be hitting the North Pole. Due to layoffs, binding arbitration with Rudolf and the other moneygrubbing little reindeer, increased sick day pay to the elves, etc., Santa can’t deliver the way he used to. Alas, the wish list needs to become more realistic.

But, how do we make our children understand that the mythical and magical man in the red suit has fallen on hard times? Isn’t the entire point of the Santa “fantasy” that by being good, we can have everything we want in life? How do you explain to a child that despite all their hard work towards being a fine, upstanding citizen this year, that Santa just can’t reward them the way he’s supposed to? What’s a parent to do?

Keeping “the secret” while at the same time being practical and sensible is a balancing act every family has to achieve. Kids are only young for what seems like a few short minutes in the big scheme of things, and we want them to believe. But, we also don’t want them to become greedy, shallow, materialistic consumers who think the purpose of life is acquiring any and every thing that catches their eye. This is especially true considering most kids lose interest in their Christmas gifts a few months, if not weeks, after the season has passed. Nothing is more frustrating to a hard working parent than seeing all those expensive gifts flung into a forgotten pile before their shine has even worn off.

Christmas should be a joyous time, however, thanks to advertising by big corporations, it’s become extremely expensive and is slowly depleting Santa’s collective bank account. Though it may not help Santa this year, perhaps he should just give out free Netflix to all the Moms and Dads of the world. This will ensure our wonderful children won’t see ads for things that “Santa’s Helpers” can’t afford next year. Perhaps he could throw in some ad blockers for the computer while he’s at it!

In the end, just remember that playing Santa is a relatively short phase in your life, and you’ll be sad when it’s finally over. Once your kids “find out”, they’re a little more cynical and a little less enamored with the Christmas season. Yes, Christmases during your children’s younger years may practically break the bank, but one day soon you’ll miss perusing those scribbled Christmas wish lists. Your moody older children will make you wish for their earlier days of wide-eyed wonder when everything seemed possible to them and they truly believed they could have the world itself if they just asked Santa for it. And that innocent attitude is priceless.

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Sure, if you’re a child, Christmas is magical. You write a list to send to Santa and simply wait for him to bring you all that your heart desires. But, for adults, this time of year can be one huge stress bomb. So many elements go into orchestrating “the perfect Christmas”, all of which conspire to create a toxic mixture of anxiety and exhaustion.

It might not be so bad if you’re the planning type. Organized people may actually enjoy the challenges presented by this festive season. Writing up and crossing off one task after another on a mile-long to-do list is an absolute dream for some. These folks are usually the first to send out their Christmas cards each year. But, for most people, pulling off the perfect holiday can be downright nightmarish.

If you’re like me, you thrive on the last minute. I do my best work when I have a deadline and the seconds are ticking away on the clock. But, for such an incredibly busy time as Christmas, this personality trait can practically guarantee disaster.

First come the decorations. I don’t personally enjoy dragging six million bins full of ornaments and baubles down from the attic. And, I never have the courtesy to pack everything up in a sensible manner after the prior Christmas has become a thing of the past. Therefore, hours are spent sorting through everything and trying to organize it all before displaying it in and on my house. At least I do play Christmas music and drink cocoa while decorating, so that does take a little bit of the sting out of it.

Then come all the parties. I’m not complaining about being invited to Christmas parties, of course, but attending too many of them can be quite stressful. Finding a fancy dress, booking a babysitter, driving to and fro, conversing with other party goers…it can be too much at times. And throwing my own Christmas party? Forget it. That would send me over the edge without a doubt!

And what about the Christmas cookies? Oy. Not only do you feel compelled to bake so very many batches, but for some reason, we become possessed with the desire to box them up and hand them out to all our neighbors. Funny thing is, they’re baking their own cookies and handing them out as well. Strange ritual.

The very worst is waiting until the last minute to buy presents and…even later to wrap them! My husband and I have cursed ourselves more than once for putting this tedious task off. No one wants to stay up until 3 AM the night before Christmas trying to wrangle every amorphously-shaped gift into cumbersome wrapping paper. The finished product of the gifts we wrap would make Martha Stewart clutch her pearls. We toss them under the tree, take a picture of the scene for posterity’s sake, and stumble up to bed only to be woken by three very anxious and excited children four short hours later. All the coffee in the world can’t help us perk up in time to watch our girls shred and peel the paper off the gifts that were paperless just hours before.

While we’re on the subject of gifts, the pressure to buy the perfect presents for our girls seems to increase with each passing year. As they get older, their wish lists seem to grow longer, more sophisticated, and very much more expensive. The teenager wants this brand and that. To review her wish list, you would think she believes that she was born into the Rockefeller family. The younger two have equally as pricey requests. No longer are stuffed animals and board games acceptable, they want electronics. Anything that plugs into the wall and costs three digits is satisfactory for those two. My husband and I have actually forfeited our wish lists in the past few years in order to free up more funds to purchase our daughters’ gifts!

The Christmas stress doesn’t end there. Once all the gifts are unwrapped and distributed to each respective girl’s room, it’s time to clean up the mess and prepare for our extended family to come over for Christmas dinner. We’re not talking about hamburgers and hot dogs served on paper plates either, Christmas dinner is “supposed” to be “special”. The same amount of work that goes into Thanksgiving dinner also goes into Christmas dinner, except that Christmas morning was crazy busy and we’re surviving on just a few hours of sleep. To me, Christmas dinner is the most stressful part of Christmas. We have the biggest house of all our family members, so we almost always have to host. Sigh.

Now that I’m an adult, I actually enjoy December 26^th more so than December 25^th, and here’s why. It’s all over. The cookies, and the parties, and the buying, the wrapping, giving, cleaning, cooking, hosting. All. Over. There is no more relaxing day of the year than December 26^th. Some OCD people use that day to tear down and store their decorations, but not me, I leave them up until January 2^nd. That means I have over a week to chill after the pressure of the Christmas season has come to an end. I love that week and look forward to it for the entire month of December.

In fact, New Year’s Eve has become my new favorite holiday. My family has a ritual that I’ve come to enjoy thoroughly. We go to the supermarket, buy a ton of junk food (and a few adult beverages), come home, change into our pajamas, watch TV, and gorge ourselves until the new year arrives. No one is invited to this “party” of ours and the pressure is totally off. I love it.

Our pursuit of perfection causes us to nearly buckle under self-inflicted holiday pressure each year around this time. It would serve us well to pause and reflect about why we do this to ourselves. I’m sure our kids, friends, neighbors and family members wouldn’t notice, or even care, if we cut some of the craziness out. Perhaps next year, I’ll treat Christmas a little more like New Year’s and just sit back and enjoy it instead of stressing out so much. Maybe that truly is the secret to making this the most wonderful time of year.

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Their mom still put out reindeer food each and every Christmas Eve, still forced them to spend a day baking cookies to leave out for Santa (that always seemed to get burnt) and did her best to hide the presents and the worried look on her face about how she was going to afford Christmas for all these kids. She never came right out and told them that Santa didn’t exist. But they knew. In fourth grade, one of the obnoxious children at school started blurting out insults to anyone who still believed. He was a magic thief, rebelling against the fact that someone had already ruined it for him. Like most things kids seem to find out too soon, the knowing is accidental.

When they asked about it that night, mom told them he was real, but they noticed the redness in her face that said she was lying. Even though the subject never came up again, and the little elf named Cassandra that had been wreaking mischief on their home since they were toddlers still came back every year – they knew that the magic and hubbub of Christmas was nothing more than a lie.

So this year, they would live through their two younger siblings. They were the lucky ones. They had a four year old and a nine year old in the home, which meant they still got to visit Santa at the mall. They still had to make wish lists and lick an envelope so that mom could pretend to mail them to the North Pole. Sure, they pouted and acted like it was a chore, but deep down it kept a little bit of the magic alive for them. They still got to sip stifling hot chocolate loaded with gooey marshmallows on Christmas Eve, still never knew what they would be getting under the tree on Christmas morning. They still would be forced to have their picture taken with Santa, just as they did every year since they were one years old. They liked Christmas enough, but it certainly wasn’t the same anymore. Not without the magic.

So this year, they were content on making the magic come to life for their little sisters and standing behind their mom, who would not let go of the Christmas magic no matter how old they got. It is a strange time in adolescence when you are forced to give up childish things, and realize that you have been lied to, un-maliciously of course, for so long. Maybe, they thought – it was just a rite of passage or a cruel trick to not be allowed to believe in Santa forever. What else could be a lie? It is only safe to assume that children wonder this as well.

Those who believe….receive!

Was it really fair to pretend to believe in something for personal gains? It would be like being friends with a person at school simply because they had some THING to offer them? Was their mom telling them this as a threat? The girls didn’t believe that they would be left with nothing but a stocking full of coal simply because they had stumbled across the truth. The question beckoned them, and so on a cool and quiet evening, the older girls decided to understand.

“Mom, if I don’t believe in Santa, will you really not buy me present?” The teens snickered in the background. Mom catered to her coffee pot, never looked up and said, “I don’t buy the presents….Santa does.”

The older girls realized this would be harder than they thought and they pressed on. “Do you really want us to believe that there is such a thing as reindeer that fly around the world and deliver presents? Do you really think I can believe in a fat man, and elves, and the North Pole, and Frosty the Snowman? Really, mom….do you want me to be the laughing stock of the entire 8th grade?” “Wouldn’t it be easier for you if you could stop pretending for our sake?” “We would never tell our sisters?”

It seemed like a long pause, and the only sound was the clink of the spoon hitting the side of the coffee mug as she twirled her creamer. Then, with a single tear in her eye – she spoke…

“Those who believe, receive! Not just at Christmas, and not just presents, but also happiness, my dears! You have to believe in magic for it to exist. Even when every thing in your fibers of common sense tells you otherwise, you have to believe that things unseen truly do exist. That magic, and love, and peace and joy and gratitude and hope exist. That is what Christmas magic is about. You believe in God, but you have never SEEN him with your eyes. You have to believe in the good will of men, although more things in this world beg you not to. You have to believe that all will be well, even when it doesn’t feel like they will. You don’t have to believe in Santa, but should you choose to – you can recreate the magic of Christmas for yourself and RECEIVE the magic in return”

“Believing is for YOU, not for me or for your little sisters. Learning to believe in magic, and in the good in life – is YOUR GIFT to receive, should you choose to accept it, here at Christmas and always. Because you always have a choice to believe!”

She took a sip of her coffee, the aroma of freshly ground beans wafted through the air and she said, “Believing makes it so! It REALLY is that simple!”

It was then and there, that they realized they had just received the best gift of Christmas, of life, that they could ever behold. And they believed.

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December’s vast holidays are clear evidence of the extreme diversity within the United States and Canada. Almost every major (and a few minor) religious affiliation has at least one holiday in the month of December. If you opted to celebrate them all you could pretty much be guaranteed some form of celebration throughout each day of the month.

There are those who believe that the winter solstice celebrations must have been created by Satan since it has its roots in Paganism. However, Paganism has its roots in nature, not the Devil.

In a time where life completely depended on the sun and a people’s ability to grow food, the declining sunlight was a signal that the cold and dark days of winter would be upon them and they would face the possibility of starvation if they did not plan appropriately. The elderly would wander off to die with dignity rather than soak their people’s food stores dry. Clans and tribes would have nothing but hope that the darkness and cold that was upon them wouldn’t last forever. The winter solstice became vital for morale, and as soon as the people could see the slowly returning daylight, celebrations were in order. This usually happened within the first few days of the solstice.

Winter solstice celebrations usually occurred right around our present day December 25th, which is still connected to our present day Christmas celebrations. The tribes and clans of the time would celebrate with as much of a feast as they could conjure up and often exchanged gifts they had made during the long, cold winter. It would be later that trees would be decorated and candles would represent eternal life.

The winter solstice typically falls on either December 21st or December 22nd. There is an exact time for the winter solstice, though it fluctuates with the year. The winter solstice is acknowledged in almost every denomination and in almost every country. Naturally, those living in the southern hemisphere regard our winter solstice as their summer solstice, and the opposite occurs six months later when the northern hemisphere enjoys the summer solstice.

The Romans once viewed this holiday as the “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun,” creating a celebration around the children, new life, and new hope. It grew to a festival of gigantic proportions, a large party which encompassed towns, villages, and homes. Feasts were shared with the slaves of the time, the one day of the year that slaves were permitted to speak and act as they wished.

Mummer traditions were developed, which is the masking of an individual who parades around and visits friends and relatives. We still celebrate the mummers. In Newfoundland, the tradition is still very much alive, while in the United States, we experience the Mummer’s Parade every New Year’s Day.

Despite numerous attempts by various religious organizations and leaders, the winter solstice soon became the center around numerous religious holidays, and many of the original Pagan traditions were carried over into the celebrations. England and a fledgling United States both found Christmas and winter solstice celebrations banned for a period of time, claiming the holidays of anti-religious beginnings and customs. This ban did not last long, although once it was lifted the holidays took on less of a religious form and more of a worldly or secular honoring.

For most of Americans, the winter solstice is a day like any other. Very little celebration revolves around this day. Despite the lack of exuberant festivities, the day still brings lightened hearts as all know that the days will begin to lengthen their light and the darkness will soon fade away into the sun. Though definitely a day worth celebrating, most traditional celebration traditions are conducted during the Christmas holiday.

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I was certainly one of those Americans until recently, when Boxing Day was explained to me in detail. It has nothing to do with two men slugging it out in a ring in front of a boisterous crowd. There are some disputed origins of the holiday, and many theories to its origins. Most people simply accept that it is a day to recognize those who have helped throughout the year.

Boxing Day may have actually begun in the Middle Ages, sort of a Christmas Day for the servants who had been expected to work for their employers on Christmas Day. After fulfilling their work obligations, they received the following day off to be with their families and friends and enjoy their own holiday.

Prior to leaving their residence of servitude, the servants were presented with gift boxes by their employers in a gesture of gratitude for their perpetual faithfulness. And thus, Boxing Day was born. Others cite that the servants were sent with boxed leftover of Christmas Dinner, while others claim the servants came to their employers’ home on December 26th carrying a box and their employer would fill it with coins and food and small gifts.

There is one totally abstract theory out there that during medieval times, a wren was captured and placed in a box. With the wren secure a young boy would take the wren from house to house in the village so that those who lived within the village could ask the wren if they would have a good harvest that year. Despite its confusing origins, Boxing Day still holds its place on the calendar, and has nothing to do with two men slugging it out mercilessly inside a roped off cube.

Boxing Day is widely celebrated throughout Canada, England, and English colonies. It is the equivalent to the American legal holidays, which the English and Canadians call Banking holidays. Banking holidays simply mean that banks, along government offices, schools, and the post office are closed, although not all business are closed for Boxing Day.

The Feast of St. Stephen shares the spotlight with Boxing Day. St. Stephen was a martyr, one of the original seven deacons associated with the Christian Church. The original seven deacons had been ordained by the Apostles to administer care to widows, the elderly, the poor, and the downtrodden or mentally ill. There is some speculation that it is no accident that these two days fall on the same date, as the servants were entitled to a day off, it is quite possible that they were given the day that most closely fell near Christmas that was already considered a holiday. Again, this is pure speculation.

There is the interesting link between Boxing Day and the Feast of St. Stephen that many historians attribute to the relieving of the servants. Historically speaking, December 26th is the day that the poor boxes in the churches have been opened and their contents distributed amongst the poor. Very few historians credit Boxing Day’s origins with the poor box distribution, though there are a few historians that believe this is the case.

Boxing Day has survived all this time, although the notion of employing servants has become much more extinct. While some employ people to tend their gardens and clean their homes, we typically no longer employ “servants.” The holiday tradition has now extended to people who hold positions of public service, such as the mail carrier, trades people, doormen, law enforcement and fire fighters, and anyone else who has been helpful throughout the year.

The United Kingdom has rendered Boxing Day of high enough importance that the celebration has begun to take on a week long duration, although many people attribute this to this high retail sales that can be obtained. In most countries that celebrate Boxing Day, the sales and the retail capabilities are really quite profitable for retailers.

Boxing Day, regardless of its origin or its sales or its retail potential, is a day that is happily designated for those who consistently use their talents for the assistance of those around them. It is a day that people are reminded to simply say, “Thank you.”

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Eventually, the nativity scene stopped making its annual appearance. I was never really sure why. Some of the pieces had been chipped over time and there was an overall faded quality to them, but I thought for the most part they still looked good.

The nativity scene is typically one that is familiar to all, even those who don’t celebrate Christmas. Figurines of Mary and Joseph usually accompanied by a baby Jesus placed in a manger sit stoically inside the stable. Three wise men look on, and ours came with a host of barnyard animals and an angel to oversee everything.

Our figures were made to mimic pewter, but they come in just about any medium from glass to plastic to wood or ceramic. I used to get in trouble for acting out the Christmas story with the figures, which to this day I’m not really convinced was all that blasphemous, since I was only having them act out the birth of Jesus and didn’t venture into other areas of play acting.

Either way, the figures were considered sacred and my play acting days were drawn to an expedient close. The term nativity actually means “the birthplace of,” so when we speak of the Nativity Scene, we are simply referring to the birthplace of Jesus. And of course we realize that the birthplace of Jesus was in Bethlehem, although he was of course, Jesus of Nazareth.

And the story goes, that while Mary was indeed blessed with child through immaculate conception, there was no place for her to give birth to Jesus. Mary and Joseph had searched far and wide before finding the stable that would be the place of the miraculous birth. Critical atheists believe that this could not have been, as there was little to authenticate Mary’s story of innocence.

Despite critics and skeptics, Christians believe that the wise men were called via a star in the sky, who sought out the child who was to become king of the Jews. In fact, these wise men are believed to have entered Jerusalem in search of the birth place of Jesus. The news was thought to have struck fear into the heart of King Herod, and he sent in question all that could find the birth place of this child.

Shepherds in a nearby field were said to receive a visit from the angel of the Lord, announcing the birth of Jesus. When told of the promises Jesus could fulfill, the shepherds rushed to find the stable that the infant was born in to revel in his earthly presence.

Again, critics voice their discomfort in the story, stating that angelic visitation is nothing more than a hallucination. It has been stated by critics and atheists alike that if by today’s standards an angelic visitation would be considered either a lie, a plea for attention, or a sign of hallucinations caused by drugs or mental illness, then how can it be considered acceptable as fact from a time when there was little documentation or proof?

Defenders of the nativity story say that it was all true because there is concrete evidence for those who look for it. There are those that even believe that the remains of the ark of the covenant have been discovered. They are simply waiting for the funds to begin an archeological dig.

The nativity will forever have those who discount it as fairy tale and legend and those who call it gospel. Cold, hard, irrefutable fact has yet to be unearthed, though the faithful will tell you that is exactly what makes faith what it is. There are aspects of faith that you simply have to take as faith facts. Regardless of personal beliefs, the nativity scene is something that nearly everyone understands and enjoys, either as a statement of faith or as a blessed fairy tale filled with hope.

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