My partner and I identify as Jewish, having been raised in secular households, yet we embrace our cultural heritage and observe the major Jewish holidays. This means we enjoy numerous gatherings throughout the year with our extended families, sharing laughter, stories, and delicious dishes like latkes and matzo ball soup. These experiences bring invaluable lessons about family, culture, and tradition to our children.
However, just as we cherish Passover and Hanukkah, we also find joy in Christmas. In fact, if you were to ask my kids, they would likely say that Christmas is the highlight of their year—the holiday they eagerly anticipate the most.
We go all out with a dazzling tree, twinkling lights, and festive decorations, not to mention visits to Santa. We bake Christmas cookies while indulging in holiday music. On Christmas Eve, we leave out cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer, and like many kids, mine can hardly sleep that night before waking up at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning, excited to see the gifts piled under the tree.
Now, you might wonder: how can a non-Christian family celebrate Christmas? Well, it turns out that this is quite common. According to a 2013 Pew Survey, about 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas, and among non-Christians surveyed, a whopping 80% also partake in the festivities, viewing it primarily as a cultural celebration rather than a religious one.
The shift toward seeing Christmas as a cultural event rather than a religious holiday is becoming more prevalent. The survey indicated that nearly half of the respondents do not regard the holiday religiously, with 32% viewing it primarily as a cultural occasion. Interestingly, when asked what they cherish most about Christmas, only 11% mentioned the religious elements, while almost 70% highlighted the joy of gathering with friends and family.
Of course, this doesn’t imply that Christmas shouldn’t be celebrated as a religious holiday for those who wish to do so. For many Christians, it remains one of their most sacred observances. But for countless others, it’s simply not centered around religious significance, and that’s perfectly fine.
The essence of Christmas, with its themes of togetherness, joy, and warmth, creates a magical atmosphere. The delightful scents of pine trees, gingerbread, and a crackling fire add to this cozy holiday feeling. Honestly, savoring a fresh batch of peppermint bark can feel like a spiritual experience for some.
The trend away from viewing Christmas strictly as a religious holiday is particularly pronounced among younger generations. As Greg Taylor, a researcher with the Pew Research Center, notes, younger adults are less inclined to see Christmas as a religious event compared to older generations. They are also less likely to attend Christmas services or believe in traditional religious narratives. This reflects a broader trend where young people are less tied to organized religion, leading to a more secular approach to the holiday.
Ultimately, for many, Christmas embodies the perfect feel-good holiday. It’s about family, creating cherished memories for our children, and celebrating warmth, kindness, and goodwill. While some may critique a non-Christian family’s participation in Christmas or lament the lessening of its religious aspects, I say, “Don’t be a Grinch.” Everyone is entitled to celebrate the holiday in their own way.
Christmas can be whatever you choose it to be, just as mine can be what I desire. After all, we could all use a bit more joy in our lives, and for many, Christmas represents an ideal opportunity to spread cheer, happiness, and hope.
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Summary
Christmas has become a cultural holiday for many Americans, including non-Christians, who celebrate it with family traditions and joy. While some may still view it through a religious lens, a significant portion of the population embraces the holiday for its cultural significance, focusing on family gatherings and cheerful traditions.