Why Do We Celebrate Christmas Anyway?

As we mosey through the Christmas season, I have noticed a tendency more than I have in the past. Many people are questioning whether or not churchgoers should really celebrate the holiday at all. People bring up certain materialistic traditions and legends that allegedly could be rooted in ‘pagan’ lore and call for us to leave Christmas festivities behind. This planted a curiosity in me as a devoted Christmas enjoyer.

What truly is the origin of this holiday? Where did it come from, why do we celebrate it, and should we continue in familiar traditions such as hanging up stockings and giving gifts? Let’s dive into why I think we can continue in these age-old traditions, which are based on old church legacies, all pointing back to the ultimate reason for Christmas, which is Christ. 

I want to first ask you a few questions. Have you ever heard of Saint Nicholas? Do you know the legends that speak about his lifestyle? The reason I ask this is simple - the fairy tale character that we leave cookies and milk out for on Christmas Eve is actually based upon a real man who was a devoted follower of Christ. Nicholas was a bishop in the 4th century in Myra, located in modern-day Türkiye. He served in the church for a long period of time, and while there isn’t a tremendous amount of firsthand literature about him, one thing is sure. Saint Nicholas was a man known for immense generosity. 

Nicholas’ generosity is attested in numerous stories that record his unique techniques for bringing joy to others. He was known to give gifts to the needy and would often do this under the cover of night or in a covert way, dropping coins through windows and chimneys. Sound familiar?

He was, to put it simply, a devoted Christ-follower who desired to give without attention. And all of a sudden, we start to see where the basis for Santa Claus comes from, Saint Nicholas.

While modern-day renditions may focus altogether too much on Black Friday greed and contemporary materialism, the root of this celebration on Christmas Day is the beauty of selfless gift-giving. And therefore, we have stockings, presents, and secret Santa gift exchanges. 

Hmm. Selfless gift-giving… That sounds familiar as well. It should! Even this story of Saint Nicholas points back to the ultimate reason for Christmas, Christ’s coming. While the legend of Santa Claus is something positive and God-honoring, it should not be the focus of this special holiday.

A little over 2,000 years ago, a baby boy was born, the Son of God. He came to live the perfect life, which demonstrates, unlike any other, even Nicholas, what it is to give oneself up for the good of others. On the original Christmas day, the foretold Messiah arrived, who is himself the greatest gift we could ever be surprised by. 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

So, we see from the very beginning of the story that God set the tone for what it means for broken, needy people to receive unasked-for yet so needed gifts. This is why the primary focus of our Christmas season should be the glory of Christ and the praise he deserves. Yet the peripheral celebrations have their place. We look at the legend of Nicholas and how his love for God translated to love for people. Gifts are just one of the many ways we can demonstrate Christ’s love to those around us.

How will you spread the Christmas cheer, illuminated by Christ himself at the center, to those around you this season and moving forward?