It’s that time of the year! Decorations are all over the house (and outside too!), we’ve set up the Christmas tree, and we can’t wait for December 25th! Everything is filled with a festive feeling.
For Catholics, this is not just another excuse to get together, it is a celebration of Jesus, the Son of God, coming to Earth. We happily reunite to remember God was good and sent us his only child to save us.
We should always keep in mind that Christmas goes beyond its now commercial nature: our faith lies in its very core.
Nevertheless, throughout history, Christmas has become more and more of a convention, a social event which many people share, including non-Catholics, because it also marks the end of the year.
Whether people are Catholic or not, Christmas has a huge impact in a lot of countries around the world and has helped to create characters such as Santa Claus or social events like parades or markets. And Christmas is also a time for giving!
Christmas and its meanings
For many countries, December 25 is a holiday, even if freedom of religion or belief is guaranteed within the law. This speaks of how huge this celebration has become over the centuries.
Some people have adopted the non-religious aspects of Christmas, like social reunions, hosting a nice dinner, giving presents to each other, or enjoying events inspired by this celebration.
On the other hand, Catholics attend mass and do other religious activities, depending on their tradition or the Church’s history and influence within the communities. This doesn’t mean they don’t participate in secular activities either!
Christmas is celebrated in 161 countries around the world, whether officially or not (1), this makes it one of the most relevant holidays!
Christmas can be celebrated differently across Catholic populations. In the US, our diversity allows for different traditions. Mexican and other Latin American people enjoy organizing the posadas, just like in their countries of origin, to remember the hard journey of Joseph and the Virgin Mary before Baby Jesus’ birth.
All the imagery associated with Christmas generally has a positive meaning. For example, the lights and candles represent the warmth and the fight against darkness. Everything at Christmas feels optimistic and warm.
To sum up, Christmas has become a social hallmark for joy, an end-of-the-year celebration that renews hope for the future and, for Catholics, the acceptance of God’s grace and will to save us through his Son.
There are a bunch of holidays that are directly related to the Catholic faith. Click here to read more about Thanksgiving and Catholicism.
Time for giving, Christmas spirit!
Christmas is, too, a time for giving. This is well-represented in the presents we buy or make for our family, our friends, and every loved one. Holiday cards, clothes, toys, a lot is spent during this season!
One of the reasons why Christmas became a time for giving was to remember a well-known story among Catholics: Baby Jesus was presented with three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Jesus was also a gift from God to humanity.
This gave room, with time, to a gift-bringer figure, represented in many countries by Santa Claus, possibly the most renowned character. But Italy has “La Befana”, during Epiphany, or in several Hispanic countries, it is Baby Jesus who bears gifts to children on Christmas or the Three Kings on Epiphany Eve.
Not every person has the means to spend on many gifts. Time for giving is also a reminder that we can be lucky enough to help others in need during Christmas and beyond.
Nevertheless, a time for giving also recalls our duty to the poor and needy. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy Christmas in the same way. Older people who are alone, hospitalized people, homeless people, and others struggle during this season.
This is why many people who are in a privileged situation—or, at least, in a better position than others—choose to help others during Christmastime. These people embody the Christmas spirit beyond their circle!
However, caring and giving can be an all-year-round activity. People who are in need are usually struggling. This is why charity organizations work permanently to do their bit!
Helping can go beyond individual goals. Some companies support charity causes through financial programs, such as Corporate Tuition Tax Credits.
Sticking together and enjoying the holidays
The act of giving back is a very powerful one, for everyone involved. This is not to pride oneself and check the boxes of a good person, but rather a way to show gratitude and care for our neighbors.
When we help each other, and we help the ones in need, little by little, we make our communities stronger and healthier. A good community improves the life of every member.
December marks the end of the year and Christmastime is the perfect occasion to stick together, give back, help others, and enhance our generosity and goodwill. And there are a lot of options to do that.
Christmas is a good moment to think about the year that is coming to an end, appreciate what is good in our lives, thank God, and give back!
In the secular world, there are even some alternatives to channel your help, such as tax credit programs. Arizona has a very effective one to ensure charity organizations get financial support to reach their goals while benefiting the taxpayers.
For a couple of decades, Arizona’s Catholic Tuition Support Organization (CTSO) has helped hundreds of families to reach opportunities that otherwise were unattainable. We believe a good education should be provided for every child, no matter their origin, ethnicity, economic status or health condition.
In Arizona’s CTSO, we are happy to act as a mediator between people who want to help children and families whose children cannot access quality education. Feel free to reach out if you are interested in becoming one of our donors.
If you’re curious about what type of instruction our benefited kids receive, please read what faith-filled education is.
References
- Word Population Review. Countries that Celebrate Christmas 2023. Word Population Review. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
