I always enjoy hearing about the traditions different families have around Christmas. Either as a result of culture or just through the development of time, there seems to be something unique about the way different families celebrate this special time of the year.
Some families always prepare the same meal every Christmas, or do the same activity, like a sleigh ride, or watch the same movie. Whatever the tradition, it becomes part of what makes the celebration special for each individual family.
Not only do families celebrate Christmas in different ways, but every culture has unique ways of celebrating as well. Last weekend my wife Kim, son Malachi and I had the opportunity to attend the South Eastman Filipino Association Christmas party in Steinbach. There I learned how Filipinos in Canada are celebrating Christmas and that in the Philippines the celebration of Christmas happens for most of December and is the most revered holiday of the year. One of the big differences for Filipinos who have moved to Canada is having snow at Christmas, something most Canadians see as an important part of the atmosphere that surrounds the season.
The differences around Christmas celebrations are rooted in more than just individual families and different cultures. Christmas is also impacted by what has happened throughout the prior year. The loss of a loved one, an ongoing illness or financial challenges can make the celebration of Christmas difficult because it sometimes serves as a stark reminder of the loss or of the problems that are being faced. Like most people, I have experienced the loss of close family members and know that it can make Christmas a difficult time.
But regardless of the individual family traditions, cultural differences or personal challenges that are being faced, the message of Christmas is universal and applies equally to all. It is not confined to families, constrained by borders or captured by the challenges of life. The message of Christmas is a message of hope and peace that was born into the world that very first Christmas more than 2000 years ago. And it’s a message that rings as true today as it did then.
Christmas this year will be celebrated differently throughout the world. It will also be celebrated differently within families as individual traditions are practiced. And we remember that for some, it will be a difficult Christmas without a loved one or battling an illness or financial challenge.
Wherever this Christmas finds you and in whatever circumstances, my family and I hope that the spirit of the season touches you and that the universal message of hope and peace fills you now and throughout 2010. Merry Christmas and we wish you a very Happy New Year!
