Redefining Christmas For Myself
Christmas has always been a special time of year, but how I celebrate and understand it has evolved throughout the years. Being raised as a Catholic, Christmas was rooted in the celebration of Jesus’s birth, a time of reverence for the love of capital G, God who sent us his only son. It wasn’t just about the presents and the decorations; it was about something bigger, and a key event in the Christian belief system.
Now, as someone who no longer identifies with a specific faith, but falls into an agnostic category, the meaning of Christmas has shifted. I firmly believe it can still remain a meaningful and precious time for non-Christians without losing its significance by becoming a commercial wonderland of excess and frivolity. I’d like to reimagine it in a way that aligns with who I am today and how I want my growing family unit to experience it.
The Evolution of Tradition
The traditions I grew up with still bring me joy—decorating the tree, delicious Christmas Day spreads, and listening to new and old Christmas carols (hello Michael Bublé and Bieber). These moments and activities carry nostalgia and warmth for me which transcend their religious origins. They remind me of family gatherings, the excitement of childhood, and the comfort of rituals shared with family.
But now, Christmas has taken on a broader, more personal meaning. It’s become less about celebrating a specific biblical narrative and more about celebrating life’s most important values: connection, gratitude, and generosity. I hope to create many beautiful Christmas memories for my son and future kids, despite the different foundations of this annual festive period.
A Celebration of Togetherness
What I love most about Christmas today is the way it brings people together. Our lives nowadays often feel rushed and disconnected, and Christmas provides us a chance to slow down and focus on the relationships that matter most. Our society has holidays predicated on the Christian calendar, but we live in a multicultural, multi-faith society where we can create meaning from these opportunities to be together.
Rather than gifts and superficial offerings, Christmas has become about being present with the people I love, whether we’re gathered around the dinner table or sharing stories while watching funny videos. It’s about showing appreciation—through thoughtful gifts, kind words, or simply spending quality time together. Priceless moments which are rare to find throughout the rest of the year.
For me, Christmas is no longer about going to Church and observing religious tradition but appreciating my time with family and friends.
Respecting Roots, Embracing Change
While my approach to Christmas has changed, I still respect its religious roots and the joy it brings to those who celebrate it as a sacred holiday. When family members want to attend Mass or say a prayer, I honour those moments. It’s a reminder that this season can mean different things to different people, and that’s part of its beauty.
At the same time, I embrace the freedom to create my own meaning. For me, Christmas is about kindness, love, and the chance to start fresh as one year ends and another begins.
