Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas

Growing up, I always associated the phrase happy holidays with combining both Christmas and New Year’s day together in one greeting. So as an adult, I continued to say “Happy Holidays” until I noticed that the meaning changed.

It was only a few years ago that I noticed the shift. More and more people, brands, and businesses were using the phrase happy holidays in an effort to not offend anyone by saying the wrong greeting. Happy holidays now meant Happy Chanukah, Kwanza, Merry Christmas, or Happy New Year. Or is the key word here.

And if happy holidays has officially taken on that meaning, why are Christians using it, and especially towards each other.

Sadly enough, Christmas itself has taken on an entirely new identity. It has become so commercialized, that the true meaning and purpose of the holiday is fading away. More and more nonbelievers are celebrating Christmas and giving it their own meaning. They don’t believe in Christ, don’t have a religion to practice, but yet, they celebrate “Christ” mas .

Why? I don’t understand why someone who does not believe in Christ would want to participate in a holiday honoring His birthday, except for the fact that it does not honor His birthday.

Christmas is no longer about Jesus. It has become a day for people to receive gifts. A season for retailers to make the most profit. A holiday celebrating Santa Clause and his elves. A season of debt and financial depression.

As Christians, we must take the day back to represent its true purpose and meaning. We must be the change we want to see in the world. Here are some ways to start bringing Christ back into Christmas.

• Keep Christ in Christmas: I wrote a post on ways to put Christ back in our practices and traditions for the Christmas season here.
• Put an end to Santa: When I first told my mother that I would not include the Santa Clause tradition with my children, she was appalled. I understand we live in a time where children have more access to information than when I was a child. Which is why my children will still know about Santa, I mean is it possible not to know about him? But a way to put an end to Santa is to treat him just like any other fictional/fairytale character. Let your children know he is just a character from a story, just like Mickey Mouse, and his character is known for bringing toys to children all over the world. Create the separation from Sanat being the focal point to Jesus being the focal point. Instead of decorating with Santa, decorate with images and symbols of the nativity and the first Noel.
• No more Elves: The Elf on a Shelf toy is super cute. I get a kick over some of the mischievous things the Elves do. But again, that takes the focus of Christmas off of Christ and puts it back onto Santa. Instead of an Elf, do a Disciple. Each day leading to Christmas, have the Disciple change locations in the house and share a Bible verse leading to the birth of Christ or a verse about Christian character traits to live by. The children and adults would love it all the same, and it has a bigger purpose.
• Limit the number of gifts: Do you normally get tons of gifts for someone else’s birthday? NO! So why give so many gifts, especially to children, for Christmas. A great way to keep Christ in Christmas is to give only 3 gifts like the 3 gifts Jesus received from the wise men. I’ve seen some super cute ways of doing this on Pinterest with the snowman gifts. No, the snowman is not a representation of Christ, but I love the idea of the 3 gifts. Each section of the snowman represents a gift, bottom = toy, middle = clothing, and the top = favorite treat. Some will add a card for the snowman to hold and put money/gift cards in it. I would go for a book instead of a card. Nothing beats the gift of knowledge. Of course, you don’t have to set up the gifts as a snowman either. But, the three gifts, helps to keep Christmas non-commercialized, on a friendly budget, and with a reminder of Christ. Add the story of the Three Wise Men as a tradition right before giving out the gifts for an extra Christly reminder. 
• Tell others Merry Christmas: Okay, I am not saying to be rude and disrespectful to people with different beliefs who do not celebrate Christmas. But, if you know someone celebrates Christmas, say “Merry Christmas.” We are so afraid of offending others that we forget not to offend ourselves in the process, or better yet, God.
• Make the day about Jesus: Again, remember Jesus is the reason for the season. Make the day about Him and not yourself. Some people get so caught up in the commercialized December 25th, allowing themselves to get so upset if something doesn’t go their way. Remember the day is not about you, or your kids. The day is about Jesus. Keep Him as your focus, and watch how blessed your day and family will be!

xoxo Tish

P.S. Jesus is the reason for the season. – unknown

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