Growing up Christian, I always loved the celebration of Christmas. Commemorating the birth of Jesus with presents, lights on a tree, and carols never phased me. It wasn’t until I started school that I realized Christmas wasn’t a global holiday. Due to its religious nature, it was a sensitive time of the year. We didn’t call our week break over December 25 “Christmas Break”, but our “Winter Break.” Our band concert where we played Carol of the Bells and The Polar Express was called our “Holiday Concert.” Even having an “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day” was outlawed by our principal. After twelve years of this, I became adapted to this kind of sensitivity. However, I’m now attending the University of St. Thomas; a private Catholic college. This means that Christmas propaganda isn’t only allowed, but heavily cherished.
Walking around campus is like a Christmas wonderland. The trees are strung with golden lights, the arches are decorated with the Virgin Mary and Jesus in the manger, and a three story Christmas tree is proudly displayed in the student center. When the sun goes down and there’s a light flurry of snow falling, the Christmas spirit is booming around you. However, I have to acknowledge my public school upbringings. Last year, 49% of students at St. Thomas were Catholic. This leaves 51% of students to hundreds of other religions. While many of them probably fall under Christianity, I know that many of them don’t.
Non-Christian students who are enrolled at St. Thomas understand that they attend a Catholic school. It was no surprise to them given they toured the campus, saw the seminary, heard the church bells, and read the name “University of St. Thomas.” But I have to imagine what this season might be like without my favorite holiday. I love the lights, the decorations, and Christmas spirit. It makes the cold and dreadful winter much more bearable. Without all of that, it just wouldn’t feel right. Being surrounded by things that don’t apply to my religion would make it even more odd. The Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and other non-Christian students must feel this same way in a sense.
As I said before, obviously we’re going to cherish Christmas at St. Thomas. But we aren’t all Christians who want to follow that idea. The holiday season is a time for bringing people together, celebrating love, and wonderful traditions and new beginnings. While us Christians see Christmas as a time to praise the birth of Jesus, perhaps we should stretch our spirits a little further. At St. Thomas, there’s so many ways to expand the holidays to more students. Even if it’s simply having certain events on campus to celebrate these various holidays, it’s a way to bring our Tommie community closer together.
While my public school may have been harsh on the ban of Christmas, it taught me to be accepting. It made me realize that my way of thinking isn’t the only way. While I love my private school, people who have grown up in that setting tend to forget about those who aren’t like them. Being mindful of others is an important trait that builds toward the common good. If the University of St. Thomas and other private schools across the country stand by this concept, Christmas should be broadened. It should involve everyone and allow for a holiday season filled with diversity, acceptance, and love.
