Various holidays have come to mean many different things to many different people. Christmas, for example, is one of the most celebrated and most beloved of all holidays. At this time of year, tradition brings us together to love our fellow man and to be just a little more generous, just because of the time of year. Some people happen to find this meaningless or superficial. But why is this? Christmas may be materialistic, but it is what you make of it. Some people still see it for its true value. Basically, people see Christmas the way they wish to. Whether they wish to celebrate Jesus' birth or just bring a little joy into their lives; it is their choice. There is no harm in what people do.
People who believe holidays are concocted in the mind's of greeting card companies or toy businesses are only seeing one side of the story. They should be able to look past that, to look into the pure harmless fun that is Christmas, or Halloween, or Easter. Some argue that toy businesses and department stores have commercialized holidays to raise sales. I'm sure they have - But that doesn't mean there isn't still a deep meaning to everything we celebrate. I, for one, know that Christmas is the brith of Jesus; I know that Halloweeen is the celebration of legends originating in Scotland; I know Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Obviously, there are people out there who don't know this. But does it make the world any worse if they erect a tree or they put up lights or they cook a turkey?
Holidays are also a time when family and friends can come together for a good time in the name of a harmless tradition. There are those who argue that the giving and the love often stops there and they question why it does not last year round. To these people, I say this: don't think of it as the love and giving only coming once a year. Think of it as the normal routines stopping, just for a little while, so that everyone can be happy and friendly. A rather noble pursuit.
People have a choice to participate or not, but why wouldn't you? Holidays are a time for giving and laughter, a time for joy and friends. Whether people celebrate because of traditions, beliefs or just because, it doesn't matter. Holidays are a way of making poeple happy, and that's how you should look at it. Looking at it as a time of shopping and material things is narrow minded because Christmas is something beyond that. And anyone who's sat down at a table with their family to enjoy a Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner in the spirit of the holidays knows this.
by Brette Reid gr 10
