So, it’s one week till Christmas. Christmas songs are playing, lights are shining and children are anticipating a big fat man dressed in red turning up to give them presents.
I am looking forward to, in no particular order: Doctor Who, meeting the family and a long break from school.
But WHY do people like Christmas? This is basically a companion piece to my Why do people like being scared? post, only this time it’s “Why do people (including me) like Christmas?”. Well, I have three reasons –
3. PRESENTS!!!
Who doesn’t like waking up on Christmas Day and receiving presents? Whether it’s from family, friends or Santa, everyone loves receiving presents. It’s part of the Christmas tradition and it is one of the main reasons why I believe everyone loves Christmas.
It’s not just receiving them, but giving them as well that makes present-giving such a tradition. It’s the only time of the year where people are allowed to ask for whatever they want, within reason. It’s why this year I haven’t asked for a pet tyrannosaurus… or have I?
In our family, we open our presents in front of the fire in my grandad and granny’s house. We usually take a couple of hours, with intervals in-between. I used to receive action toys and games, but now I’m a teenager, I receive gift vouchers, books and Doctor Who related presents.
2. It brings people together
Christmas is an opportunity for people to communicate to each other. My mum has been particularly chatty this month, with her talking to anyone and everyone that she meets. But, that can be seen as positive, as it shows how everybody is excited for the festive season.
It also means that everyone is busy for Christmas, preparing cards, wrapping presents and having a good time.
I remember the British and the Germans stopped fighting in World War One (The Christmas Truce) to play a game of football, which just shows how Christmas is a time of year to stop fighting and celebrate.
Sainsbury’s Christmas 2014 – The making of the Christmas advert
1. IT’S CHRISTMAS! It’s our family tradition!
Is this a lazy resolution? Yes it is. The pure feeling that it is Christmas is enough to make anyone happy.
On Christmas Eve, I normally go to the crib service in the Chandler’s Ford parish church with my mum, even though I’m not a Christian. We walk to the church with our neighbours together and spend about an hour there. I then stay up till about midnight with my friend at my house playing computer games.
Of course we can’t forget the Christmas tradition. Eating turkey and having a massive Christmas meal. My granny also sets fire to the Christmas pudding to make it taste better (though I’m usually content with the ice cream).
After the meal, we watch Doctor Who in the television room and my mum gets confused. I however, understand Doctor Who perfectly.
After watching Doctor Who, there isn’t much time for anything else other than going to sleep.
Our Christmas tradition is not just on Christmas day. On Boxing Day, we go for a walk with the dogs, go to the stables where my granny works, talk and spend time with the family before driving back home from my granny and grandad’s home.
So, that’s all. Why do you think people like Christmas and what do you enjoy doing in the holidays?
Related posts:
- Christmas 70 Years Ago
- My Favourite Childhood Christmas Memories In A Village
- What Christmas Means To Me
- What Does Christmas Mean For Non-Christians?
Editor’s note: The original version of Why do people love Christmas? was published on 16th December 2014 in Ben Williams’s World.
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Everybody likes the new baby story whether you are Christian or not. We have one this year. She will be 6 weeks old and just learning to smile at the world.
Also it is good to be past the shortest day. This turning point was celebrated long before Christianity arrived. One could begin to look forward to spring, fresh growth and fresh food.
Hope you get your heart’s desire but it will not be a tyrannosaurus but perhaps a trip to the Natural History Museum would be the closest you could get.