Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday of the year. Actually, October through December is my favorite time of year. There is something that is so magical about fall fading into winter and Christmas carols, lights, and trees all being played or decorated. My favorite is the emphasis of family during this time of year. It warms my heart to see everyone’s family come together and enjoy each other’s company.

Unfortunately, the holiday season is not immune to the many controversies that love to arise during these times. There has always been a “war” between the true meaning of Christmas and the commercialization of the holiday. However, I do not necessarily think this is a bad thing. I think the commercialization combined with the Christian aspects of the holiday makes it even more special.

Let me make one fact clear to start. I firmly believe that Christmas is a Christian Holiday and it always will be. The Christianity cannot be taken out of the holiday. Yet, Christmas has evolved so much over the years.

We have Santa Claus and his reindeer who help him deliver the presents. We have beautiful lights to hang and trees to decorate with ornaments that bring back wonderful memories. Of course, there are the hundreds of songs to sing, most being about the birth of Jesus, that people play day in and day out. We have corny romantic Christmas movies alongside more serious Christian based ones.

Christmas is a unique hybrid holiday that has always and will always hold onto its Christianity. Santa is a way for young children to get excited about the holiday until they are old enough to recognize Jesus and it creates great memories.

I vividly remember a Christmas book my parents read to me every year. It was about Santa Claus visiting a Church to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and it really struck me as a child of the importance of the holiday.

That the two can be combined and still portray the importance of the holiday season. You can’t take Christ out of Christmas, but you also can’t take the commercialization either. As all things go, especially today, Christmas is well represented.