“Isn’t there anyone who understands what Christmas truly means?” Charlie Brown, our beloved downcast hero, exclaims with arms wide open in frustration. This moment is one of the highlights of the holiday season for me, especially those classic animated specials. Seuss and Schultz had a knack for hitting all the right emotional notes.
Then enters Linus, clutching his rather questionable security blanket, set to enlighten Charlie Brown. “Of course, I can explain what Christmas is all about,” he confidently states. He then recites a verse from the Bible regarding the birth of Jesus Christ—something that consistently eludes my understanding. Linus could very well be one of the iconic, trombone-playing adults from the show.
Biblical references don’t resonate with me as I am a product of two worlds. My mother comes from a Jewish heritage while my father hails from either an Episcopalian or Methodist background—one of those Protestant branches. So not only do I celebrate Christmas, but I also partake in Hanukkah. Yes, I’m bi-religious. I embrace both sides, and as a result, I often encounter memes and bumper stickers suggesting I celebrate the holidays incorrectly.
I don’t attend church or temple. My understanding of (C)han(n)uk(k)a(h) mostly comes from a delightful Rugrats special (sorry, Grandma), while my Biblical knowledge is an amalgamation of sound bites from pundits on various news networks and a few parodies from The Simpsons. Consequently, according to many bumper stickers and Facebook memes, I’m an abomination—somehow responsible for the decline of our cherished Christian society.
I must contest these views. First, if Jesus were indeed the reason for the season, we wouldn’t be celebrating in December. That date was likely selected to align with the pagan Winter Solstice. We wouldn’t be “decking the halls with boughs of holly,” either—another tradition the early Church sought to suppress. Second, the notion of “Putting the Christ back in Christmas?” I can’t help but channel my inner rebel, “Whatever. I do what I want.”
If Christmas is for you a religious observance of your savior’s birth—great! Celebrate it to your heart’s content. But remember, the holiday season holds different meanings for different people.
For me, it’s about lighting the menorah while my non-Jewish dad sings an off-key “Happy Chanukah to you!” and we gather for a family hug. It’s my grandfather reciting blessings over the candles as we feast on latkes and applesauce. For a friend, Christmas means putting on a family pageant featuring news reporters and even Spiderman. For another, it’s gathering all the children to line up by age before rushing downstairs for presents under the tree. And for yet another friend, it’s the annual tradition of hiding a pickle ornament on the tree.
Christmas traditions can be quite peculiar, yet they are unique and delightful, much like Charlie Brown’s scraggly Christmas tree.
The true essence of Christmas isn’t encapsulated in Linus’s Biblical recitation; it resides in that quirky tree. It’s unconventional yet beautiful, born from love and effort. The special concludes with the tree radiating holiday joy, thanks to Charlie Brown’s endearing friends.
To me, the holidays center around family—plain and simple. It’s about being with loved ones, whether they are related by blood or chosen. Celebrating them in any way possible is what matters.
As for established religious customs? They serve as a tribute to my ancestors. I cherish lighting candles on my worn menorah, a keepsake from my great-grandmother, knowing she lit it every 25th of Kislev. Similarly, I enjoy unwrapping presents under the tree, not only for the gifts but also because it’s a tradition passed down through generations in my family. While some may view my dual religious acknowledgment as contradictory, it makes perfect sense to me.
I won’t dismiss those who cherish Christ in their Christmas or those who find spiritual meaning in each holiday. After all, Linus finds joy in Luke 2:4-14, and that resonates deeply with him and his family.
What troubles me is when others try to impose their beliefs on everyone else. It’s disheartening to see anger directed at stores for wishing “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Saying “Happy Holidays” doesn’t exclude Christmas; it’s an inclusive gesture for all sorts of celebrants, like those of us who don’t neatly fit into the mainstream Christian narrative. It’s a warm acknowledgment to anyone celebrating Christmas, New Year’s, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or simply enjoying the beautiful light displays, such as those at Rockefeller Center. Personally, I believe Jesus would appreciate that. After all, he likely celebrated Chanukah too. So this Christmas, feel free to place the Christ wherever you see fit.
In summary, the holidays are about embracing family and cherished traditions—be they religious or not. It’s about finding joy in our unique ways of celebrating, and being inclusive of all traditions, no matter how diverse.