It’s that time of year again folks. The holiday season is upon us much like the supposed “War on Christmas.”
Until the recent outrage about the Starbucks holiday cups, I hadn’t really paid much attention to this Christmas controversy. But with people getting up in arms about a cup design, or lack thereof, I felt the need to invest some research and thought into the topic.
If you haven’t heard about the war on Christmas, this is basically what I see it to be: everything surrounding the holidays is continually becoming more culturally appropriated. From consumer products to the way people wish ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of ‘Merry Christmas’ – the time of year is becoming more generalized to fit all celebrations. As a result, Christmas isn’t as glorified as it usually is. This has some people worried that the true meaning of Christmas and all of what it encompasses religiously will one day be forgotten.
I don’t think this will happen, especially when people are on the defensive over a coffee cup that lacks Christmas sentiment, even though it will be in the trash 20 minutes after it’s purchased and instagramed.
So all of this has somehow transformed into a “War on Christmas,” with the opposing sides being seen stereotypically as the overly defensive Christians and the overly liberal modernists.
I support the holidays being less about Christmas and more about an indiscriminate holiday season. I don’t think the real reason of the holiday will ever disappear through recognizing other religious celebrations. If anything, everyone who celebrates Christmas shouldn’t think twice to embrace other celebrations-especially when Christmas is derived from a figure of justice, love and compassion.
If the true meaning of Christmas ever dissolves I think it will be because of hyper-consumerism and the worshipping of materialistic goods. I already feel like the holiday is corrupted by pointless spending and people feeling obligated to purchase things for others in order to show their affection. Quality time with loved ones is what truly matters and is what should be considered the greatest gift.
This holiday season, I think everyone should reflect on what they’re celebrating, embrace everyone and encourage peace.
Happy holidays.