WE DON’T DO CHRISTMAS
Written by Caroline Meyer
In many parts of the world, Christmas in inescapable. All the shops are decorated with Christmas decorations and there are giant trees everywhere. Christmas carols are playing wherever you go. The radio and televisions spew out Christmas specials, Christmas songs and Christmas stories. There are Mall Santas everywhere you go and for 2 months of the year Christmas is literally everywhere! In many parts of the world, while the population may be predominantly Christian, there is still a large portion (10 to 20%) of people that practise other faiths or are of no faith. Many of these religions may have adopted a go with the flow attitude, while others have created their own traditions to blend in with the festive season. While some may try to ignore it all together, it may be tough for people of different faiths when they are being blasted with Yuletide cheer on a continual basis over this period.
People of different faiths generally choose from 3 paths when it comes to Christmas. Some may just reject the entire fanfare including all the rituals and symbols, which may make it especially difficult this time of year for them. Some choose to get involved in the festivities and while they may not embrace the religion, they still participate in family feasts and get-togethers and even gift giving. Others may choose to blend their religions to fit in with the festivities such as celebrating Hanukkah during the Christmas period which allows the Jews to embrace the holiday period while remaining faithful to their own religious practises.
Much of the spirit of Christmas can be brought in to Jewish holidays such as Hanukkah and many of the decorations such as wreaths, garlands and evergreens are included in the Hanukkah traditions. Hanukkah also allows for the gift giving and Jewish children are showered with gifts over this time period. This also allows for inclusion with their peers over this period each year. Mitzvah is a Jewish practise of doing charitable deeds which is often done over the festive season which blends well with the spirit of giving and doing charity work that permeates Christmas time. This can include volunteering, giving out toys and food to the less fortunate or hosting charity events to raise funds for good causes.
While Muslims do believe in Jesus, they do not believe he was the son of God and believe that he was born in March or September. In general Muslims that are staunch in their faith do not celebrate any aspect of Christmas. Less orthodox Muslims may be involved in charitable deeds and spending time with their family over the festive season. Many Hindus participate in gift giving and parties with family and friends over the festive season. They may also incorporate Pancha Ganapati into this time period as this is a 5 day holiday which starts on the 21st of December to celebrate Ganesha, the god of culture and new beginnings. This can include decorating homes with pine boughs, ornaments and lights, picnics and feasts as well as gift giving.
Buddhists often incorporate the spirit of Christmas in to their religion and this can include sending heartfelt cards to family and friends, decorating their temples and homes, having late night vigils and even listening to Christmas songs. This is a time of peace and goodwill for all and this also meshes well with the Buddhist culture.
There are many religions and people should be mindful in the workplace and with other people that not everyone participates in the Christian beliefs over November and December each year. Not everyone will choose to participate in the spirit of the season and it is their right not to do so.
Peace and goodwill to all mankind should remain the mantra over Christmas and acceptance of each and every person’s beliefs and choices to their level of participation in the festive season. May this time of year be a time to relax and spend time with family and enjoy the spirit of the season.