Soltice

It started with a comment on Facebook… “Just playing with my new soltice present”. And it drove me CRAZY. Really? A soltice present? Are you that hip and cool that you have ditched Christmas altogether, but still want the traditions that go with it? Mumble…mumble…uncharitable thought… etc.

But then I thought about how much it bothers me when people who aren’t Christian or who claim to be but don’t live their faith celebrate Christmas by focusing on the non religious aspects like Christmas trees, presents, and Santa Clause (yes… I know that the first can symbolize Christian ideas and values but if you don’t actively think about those, then you are using them in a religious way. And don’t even get me started on Santa Clause – he is not St. Nicholas in anything but an extremely cursory way). Not that these things are instrinsically evil, but they are not the core of what Christmas is about.

So, barring conversion, what is better? Banalizing Christmas or ignoring it altogether? And not just ignoring, but translating the favored bits to an unrelated holiday (which I am unaware of having any connections with gift-giving?) Either way, I should not let it bother me too much. But, really, I think it is sad to brush Christmas aside. I wish everyone would celebrate the true reason for this day – the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Am curious about your thoughts… which is better, a banal Christmas or switching to a soltice celebration?

Your sister in Christ,

~Kerry