So before everyone gets upset that I’m not Christian and I celebrate Christmas, let me explain.

I was raised in a Catholic household for my whole childhood. We celebrated all Christian holidays, went to church, and I went to Sunday school. I never really felt like I fit in with Catholicism. Regardless, the magic of Christmas has always, and will always, stand out to me. So many people have visibly lifted spirits and the feeling one gets through gifting something the person receiving is sure to love is incredible.

I never liked thinking of one religion as being “THE religion,” rather I thought all had bits and parts I found to be beautiful. I’m an agnostic Buddhist, meaning I’m uncertain is to whether or not there really is a God, or multiple gods for that matter. I do believe there is some sort of magical power in the world, but there’s no telling, I suppose. I’m going on a tangent here – but I suppose God does have a lot to do with Christmas given the Immaculate Conception and all. The point is, the celebration of Christmas is a little different for me.

Other religions developed the modern day Christmas tree long before Christianity adopted the tradition. Pagan and other early traditions such as Wicca (another religion I adore) had celebrated the winter solstice and would celebrate evergreen trees. The history is actually very interesting and can be found at http://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees.

I never saw Jesus as our one and only holy savior, the son of God, etc. In Buddhism, we don’t shun other religions, rather we see them through different eyes. Jesus of Nazareth was an amazing person and is seen as a Bodhisattva. The definition of a Bodhisattva is “a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings,” which Jesus clearly showed in his lifetime. In this point of view, no religion is wrong for praising their prophets, rather all are expressing compassion towards one idol.

The traditional Santa Claus and gift giving actually resemble a lot of Buddhist values. Compassion, love, and selflessly giving all embodies the teachings of Buddhism. We are not meant to be selfish, so by gifting during Christmas. On the other hand, actually receiving presents is kind of weird. When I was young, I remember loving the moment I got to rip open a present, but as I grew up, I began to feel kind of weird about it all. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved every present I’ve received, but I always felt just a tinge of guilt for being able to receive more than the less fortunate.

So don’t get me wrong, I don’t celebrate Christmas the way you might, but I do celebrate it with my family and friends, most being of Christian denominations, and I plan to do so forever given my upbringing and the Buddhist framing that can be incorporated. So this year, instead of complaining that religions like mine take away the true meaning of Christmas, take the time to research other’s beliefs and understandings. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

For a more in-depth article on Buddhist Christmas celebrations, http://www.alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-buddhist-christmas/ has an amazing story.