The Joy of Christmas:

When Family and Friends Reunite

Maxwell McArthur, Staff Writer

Naomi Lopez, Staff Writer

Lyric Malone, Staff Writer

Christmas has evolved from a primarily religious celebration of Jesus Christ's birth into a more secular holiday that includes various cultural traditions, such as gift-giving and festive decorations. People have now prioritized picking out gifts and receiving them instead of learning the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Overall, Christmas has shifted from a strictly religious observance to a more inclusive holiday celebrated by diverse cultures, blending ancient traditions with modern practices. Christmas changes for several reasons, reflecting cultural, social, and economic influences that evolve over time. Many of the Christmas traditions that we usually recognize nowadays were developed during the Victorian era. In the 19th century Christmas became more family oriented, with putting up decorations, trees, exchanging gifts and sending Christmas cards.

Soon Santa Claus was then introduced, which came from the dutch figure of the Sintetklaas; it eventually evolved into the jolly, gift-giving character that most of us know now. Music has become a very important part of Christmas as well. The first song to be heard and that made Christmas more popular is “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens in 1843. In the modern era, Christmas has become increasingly commercialized. Including retail sales and playing a major role in the holiday season. While the religious aspects of Christmas still remain really important to others, the holiday is now celebrated by people who have different backgrounds.

Often focusing on traditions like gift giving, family gatherings, and festive decorations. Christmas themes have long been an inspiration to artists and writers. A prominent aspect of Christian media, the topic first appeared in literature and in music. Filmmakers have picked up on this wealth of material, with both adaptations of Christmas novels, in the forms of Christmas films, Santa Claus films, and Christmas television specials. It also includes animation, comics, and children's books, including A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and Frosty the Snowman.

The Gingerbread Man is a figure in folklore and holiday traditions. Gingerbread man evolved in ancient times such as ancient Greece and Egypt, the ginger was used in both culinary and medicinal purposes. During the medieval period, the gingerbread made its way to Europe where it was incorporated into various recipes. The gingerbread that we all know today began to take shape in medieval Europe when cooks started combining ginger with honey and breadcrumbs to create a dense, spiced cake. The early forms of the gingerbread were often enjoyed during religious festivals and special occasions such as Christmas.

When shopping on Christmas some people usually shop online because they have more options and more available items. Online shopping also includes more offers that makes Christmas shopping more convenient than going in person to shop especially because during Christmas time prices for things go higher. When shopping in person for gifts you will probably see people fighting over an item. Shopping in person and online has both its pros and cons, some people create a wishlist for the items they want for Christmas. This makes buying gifts for people easier because you can get them something they actually want. People also DIY gifts for people and some people appreciate that and others might not. Kids typically receive a variety of presents for Christmas, including toys like Barbies and Lego sets, educational gifts, and experience-based presents. Gifts are often chosen based on the child's interests and age, ensuring they are fun, useful, or educational.

People eat a variety of traditional dishes for Christmas around the world, including roast turkey, ham, and various side dishes like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce in many Western countries. Other countries have unique customs, such as seafood in Italy, roast pork in Denmark, and Christmas pudding in the UK. Christmas has grown in many ways all over the world, shaped by generations of traditions, beliefs and cultural influences. Whether celebrated for its religious significance, or simply as a time to gather with loved ones, the holiday remains a symbol of connection and joy. No matter how traditions change, the spirit of Christmas endures, bringing people together in warmth and celebration.

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