It was 2017 when I formally decided to embrace what I considered the early arrival of Christmas decorations, holiday movies and all things Yuletide instead of muttering “Bah humbug” when the lights began twinkling and Santa Claus took up residence next to the pumpkins. I even wrote a column about it back then.
In 2024, I’m still pondering the situation because the Christmas holiday season seems to creep into the calendar earlier and earlier each year. And I’m trying to stay true to my self-imposed pledge that one of our Southern A’Chord Chorus songs champions.
Yes, the carol “Christmas Is a Feeling” speaks of mistletoe, falling snow and candles burning bright; a baby in a manger on a cold winter’s night; glad noels, chiming bells and presents by the tree; the spirit of giving in you and in me. It talks of Christmas being a feeling that fills the air, of love and joy and laughter of people everywhere.
Then, at the song’s end, a question is posed: “If Christmas is a feeling bringing such good cheer, then why, oh, why don’t you and I try to make it last all year? Why can’t it last all year?”
As the cliche goes, that’s a good question.
It should last all year. Not just as a feel-good observance, but because it’s associated with the birth of the Savior of humankind. If that shouldn’t be celebrated all year, I don’t know what should be. Well, except for his death and resurrection.
Of course, no one really knows exactly when Jesus was born. It’s nice, however, for the world to slow down for a few weeks – or months – and actually recognize that he did come to earth with the grandest of missions ever. We should be thankful every single day of the year for that.
So today I’d like to look at some Christmas traditions that we hold dear – the ones described in “Christmas Is a Feeling” and others. Let’s delve into their origins and significance.
Christmas trees – Evergreen trees represent eternal life and God’s unchanging nature. The star atop the tree symbolizes the star over Bethlehem, and the tree’s triangular shape can denote the Holy Trinity.
Lights and candles – These bring to mind that Jesus is the Light of the World, who drives out darkness and sin.
Bells – Bells are associated with proclamation and celebration, indicating the announcement of Christ’s birth.
Gifts – Holiday presents echo the gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense and myrrh) and God’s ultimate gift of his Son. They are an expression of love, mirroring God’s love for us.
Candy canes: The shape represents a shepherd’s staff, reflecting Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The colors have meaning, too: white, for the purity and sinlessness of Christ; red, for his blood shed for humanity.
Wreaths – The circular shape suggests God’s infinite love and the eternal nature of life. An evergreen wreath connotes eternal life through Christ.
Holly and ivy – Holly’s sharp leaves characterize the crown of thorns; ivy’s red berries, the blood of Christ.
Poinsettias – This flower’s star-shaped leaves are said to resemble the Star of Bethlehem.
Snow – Its whiteness designates purity and cleansing, affirming Isaiah 1:18: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
The Yule log – This tradition represents Christ as the light in the darkness, carried over from old European customs.
The colors red and green – Red symbolizes Christ’s blood shed for redemption; green, eternal life and renewal in Christ.
Other traditional images that are always near at Christmas come straight from scripture, such as the manager, angels, shepherds and the Wise Men.
So, next year when the Christmas lights begin to glow in October, perhaps we can view these as reminders, not nuisances. They prompt us to carry the spirit of Christmas – love, joy and reflection on Christ’s birth – into every season. After all, as the song reminds us, the message of Christmas isn’t bound by a calendar. It’s a feeling, a truth and a gift meant to last all year.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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