Christmas is a very personal thing. A Christian time of praise and worship. The celebration of Christ’s mass. The welcoming of the birth of their saviour Jesus. The Nativity, the feast of the nativity, church carol services, family get togethers. All symbolic of Christmas.
It’s observed and celebrated by Christians and many non Christians and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season. With the Roman influences of the Winter Solstice, Christmas with its snowy themes, Christmas trees, gifts and feasts, it’s a time of loving and giving.
Decorating the home with holly, evergreens and mistletoe; Candles and sparkly lights, portraying religious and pagan rituals. The introduction of St Nicolas and our ‘coca cola red’ Santa Claus, it’s a magical time for children also. To give and receive gifts, to think of others before ourselves.
For many non believers, it’s the winter holidays. Still a time with family and friends but without the religious attachment. Christmas can also be a time of reflection, a time of missing loved ones, of loneliness, a time sooner forgotten.
When asked “What does Christmas mean to you?” below are some of the responses I received from friends and readers of the dailywaffle
“Christ’s birth, carols, nativity plays, children, magic, family time, turkey, it’s a wonderful life, hot chocolate, real Christmas trees, celebration, love”……
“upholding a beautiful tradition we both have fond memories of”
“Christmas to me means short days, sentimental movies and taking the chance to remind those you love that you do. Oh, and smiles”
“the smell” Christmas evokes all the senses
“spending time with loved ones and good food”
“its all wrapped up with family and doing for others what Christ did for us”
“movies,family meals,snow, it’s a wonderful life”
“Totally magical time of year – Birth of Christ, family time, childrens excitement, time to spend with friends, lights, smells, frosty evenings spent shopping and the joy of giving gifts and seeing receivers faces….but also a time I particulary think of our homeless and the Simon community – christingle Service and Service of Nine lessons and Carols – another fav for me!”
“cold nights snuggling on the sofa, family, friends, carols by candlelight, Jesus’ birth and what it did :)”
“festive feasting, spending more time with family, reunions with friends and family living elsewhere, cold crisp walks, toasty fires, film nights. christmas tree spotting! making wreaths! holly 🙂 that pine smell…..”
“Family, kids, Santa, lovely food, lovely wine, something happy and positive in the dank winter……brightening up your house with a tree and lights!! Light the fire and snuggle up, love it!”
“Family time, playing games, lots of food, cinnamon scents, opening presents in pjs & my very favourite thing….the look on the faces of family members when they open a present I’ve chosen for them- a wonderful mix of surprise and happiness :)”
“having family round me and waking up on christmas morning to see the reaction on the kids faces – precious family moments”
From the dailywaffle team we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Whatever you do and where ever you are, I hope it’s as Special as mine xox
