What is Christmas - really?

[nebula]

What is Christmas? Is it a Christian religious holiday celebrating the birth of Christ, or is it a national cultural holiday, celebrating a good time with decorations, songs, festivities, get-togethers, and gift-giving? I propose that it is both. After all, even atheists decorate trees and exchange gifts!

Are either wrong? Well, that's a topic for a different debate.

But as Christians, while we claim it is about the birth of Christ, we set up lights without acknowledging the Light of the world, we set up an evergreen tree without contemplating everlasting life, we give gifts without acknowledging the Gift of God, and we open presents Christmas morning without even spending a few moments to reflect on the incarnation and Christ's birth.

So, what can we do to change this? What are ways to incorporate the meaning of the intended symbolism into our decorating and celebrating?
What ideas are out there?

[In the Clouds]

It begins with a good foundation.  Bring your child up in belief and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  And, if he/she strays he will return to his foundation.

While watching the local news, an item focused on the Macy's day parade showing the various holiday floats.  On concluding the news segment the broadcaster said, "And, now the reason for the season..."  A huge floating Santa Claus was shown at the parade's end.  I asked, "And, where is Jesus, the real reason for the season?"  Why is this day called Christmas?  It's not Santa Clausmas.  There is nothing wrong with giving gifts at any time.  But, celebration of Christ's birthday should be revering Him not being dazzled by things.  My how commercialism has distorted and taken this day down a side path!

We should teach the Word and emphasize the many blessings that God and our Lord have bestowed upon us.  We should praise His holy name and bless Him as our gift to Him.  And that should be everyday not just one day of the year.

[Vine Abider]

1 hour ago, nebula said:

What is Christmas? Is it a Christian religious holiday celebrating the birth of Christ, or is it a national cultural holiday, celebrating a good time with decorations, songs, festivities, get-togethers, and gift-giving? I propose that it is both. After all, even atheists decorate trees and exchange gifts!

Are either wrong? Well, that's a topic for a different debate.

But as Christians, while we claim it is about the birth of Christ, we set up lights without acknowledging the Light of the world, we set up an evergreen tree without contemplating everlasting life, we give gifts without acknowledging the Gift of God, and we open presents Christmas morning without even spending a few moments to reflect on the incarnation and Christ's birth.

So, what can we do to change this? What are ways to incorporate the meaning of the intended symbolism into our decorating and celebrating?
What ideas are out there?

It's just a holiday that, as Paul conveys, some see as a special day, and some don't. And we aren't to stumble another if they view it differently than we do. Basically there's zero in the bible about celebrating Christ's birth, so it's nothing special (or at least until some person decides it is).

[In the Clouds]

The heavenly chorus sang out, the wisemen gave gifts, the shepherds followed the star and were in awe of the baby Jesus.  That is in the Bible.  Unto us a child is born.

[Vine Abider]

5 minutes ago, In the Clouds said:

The heavenly chorus sang out, the wisemen gave gifts, the shepherds followed the star and were in awe of the baby Jesus.  That is in the Bible.  Unto us a child is born.

Of course.  Whether or not we choose to designate one day to celebrate it is up to us.

[In the Clouds]

Yep.  One day is not enough is it?  The history of St. Nicholas is nice and Santa Claus is fun; but, there is only one Jesus.

[nebula]

30 minutes ago, Vine Abider said:

It's just a holiday that, as Paul conveys, some see as a special day, and some don't. And we aren't to stumble another if they view it differently than we do. Basically there's zero in the bible about celebrating Christ's birth, so it's nothing special (or at least until some person decides it is).

That's fine that you believe this, but I'm hoping for responses to the reason for my post, as expressed at the end.

[nebula]

19 minutes ago, In the Clouds said:

The heavenly chorus sang out, the wisemen gave gifts, the shepherds followed the star and were in awe of the baby Jesus.  That is in the Bible.  Unto us a child is born.

Yes, but how do we incorporate this into our in-home celebrations? (Something more than just repeating words.)

[other one]

When Israel was going into the promise land, God told them not to worship him the way the pagans did, and that is exactly what we have done concerning Christmas.   Even some of our Easter/Passover things are of pagan origin.

We can cover it up all we want, but it's there, glaringly in one's face if one bothers to look.

[In the Clouds]

I will tell you what we did when I was a child.  We already had the Biblical foundation which I place as most important.  Celebration wise... we decorated a tree, played Christmas carols, watched old Christmas movies, gave gifts, cooked special dishes.  Sounds commercial but it was what was in our hearts, and spending family time together.  You could feel the Spirit and spirit of the season.