Keeping the Christ in Christmas: Why "Happy Holidays" Doesn't Bother Me

I was reading something the other day from a friend of mine. She was upset because her child's school Christmas party was being labeled a "holiday" party. I hear similar grievances every year. Christmas is becoming too commercial. Society is taking the "Christ" out of "Christmas". No one remembers the reason for the season.

As a woman of faith, I respectfully disagree.

I remember as a child, one of my favorite parts of Christmastime was singing in our school recital. I actually have vivid memories of the gym, the way the stage was set up, what I wore. Yes, I was that excited about singing. But I digress. One thing I remember is that we sang every type of song. We sang songs about Christmas. We sang songs about Hanukkah. We sang songs about Kwanzaa. We sang in Spanish and in French and in English. We also learned about some of the traditions behind each of these. And it was an awesome, beautiful, amazing thing.

Last night I got to witness a similar thing at my child's "winter play". They sang songs referencing all winter holidays. It was a touching moment for me to see these children coming together, celebrating the season in a spirit of unity, love and joy.

And truly, isn't that what this season, and Christmas in particular, is supposed to really be about? Love, Tolerance. Acceptance. Joy. Redemption. Charity.

I celebrate Christmas in my home. We try to keep the spirit of Jesus Christ and the celebration of His birth at the center of our home. We teach our children to do likewise. No one else can take the Christ out of our Christmas, only we can do that. The fact that I can worship freely in my home, and raise my children in the church of my choosing, is a gift I cherish with all my heart. How hypocritical would I be if I did not respect that privilege in others?

So calling it a "winter party" doesn't bother me. Saying "happy holidays" does not offend me. And it's not because I have forgotten Christmas. And it's not because I am afraid I will offend someone by acknowledging my Christian status. Rather, it is because I respect that my traditions are not everyone's traditions. My faith is not everyone's faith. But I believe that everyone is a child of God. Everyone is my spiritual brother or sister. And so whether they celebrate Christmas or Kwanzaa or Hanukkah or commercialism, my job is simply to love them.

In my mind, that is how I keep Christ in Christmas.

So to everyone I say, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa, Season's Greetings and Merry Christmas. I hope that the love and peace of this season will bless us all with a greater capacity to love one another and cultivate a spirit of unity. Peace on Earth. Goodwill to men.