Pepperdine University is a Christian University even if that’s not what people immediately think of. That doesn’t mean everyone that goes here is Christian, or even religious; like myself. I was raised Episcopalian and went to Catholic school for 15 years. Growing up Christmas included a nativity scene, going to church every Sunday, the advent wreath and Jesus, but now I’m not religious.
Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash
I know I’m not alone in that sentiment, and sometimes dealing with holidays that are heavily associated with religion, can be hard. I know we’ve all heard, seen, and read the saying “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”, but the season is more than that.
I don’t have a hard time enjoying Christmas despite being non-religious because to me Christmas, and the entire Christmas season is about joy and family, and being with your loved ones.
I don’t deny the religious connection, I just don’t connect with it myself. My mom is religious, and when I first told her where I was on my “spiritual journey” she didn’t take it entirely well, but I didn’t expect her to.
When I started not wanting to go to church, one of the first things she brought up was that I didn’t want to celebrate Christmas, but we talked and she still maintains the religious aspects of Christmas, and while I may not intentionally partake, I still celebrate the season.
I don’t know each person’s situation, but if you can talk with your family about your spirituality or lack of, talk to them. It may not be easy like I experienced, but it may also be okay.
Christmas has become more than a religious holiday. Yes, it has been commercialized, but it’s become our culture no matter your religious beliefs. You don’t think of religion when you walk down the street and see all the decorations, or when you see Santa Claus, you think of hot chocolate, and winter and the magic of the season that makes it seem like anything is possible, and that’s okay.
If you love Christmas; if you love the presents, and the tree, and being with those you care for, religious or not, you can still celebrate the season and have a holly jolly time.