Is there such a thing as a Christmas story that isn’t thematic? Ever noticed that even in stories that involve Santa giving kids lots of cool presents, there is still a warning against losing sight of what the Holiday is all about? Yet, sometimes the stories seem vague on the “what it’s about” part. And perhaps that is because it’s about more than just one thing. After all, there’s a good reason it is both a religious and a secular Holiday. The similarity between the secular and religious is the giving part, while the difference is in the form of the giving.
 

Is there such a thing as a Christmas story that isn’t thematic? Ever noticed that even in stories that involve Santa giving kids lots of cool presents, there is still a warning against losing sight of what the Holiday is all about? Yet, sometimes the stories seem vague on the “what it’s about” part. And perhaps that is because it’s about more than just one thing. After all, there’s a good reason it is both a religious and a secular Holiday. The similarity between the secular and religious is the giving part, while the difference is in the form of the giving.

The Secular aspect of Christmas is in the concept of sharing through the ritual of exchanging gifts with friends and loved ones. While Santa Claus in his “modern” form can be seen as Pagan, he is also a secularized fable while at the same time based on the legends of a Christian priest named St. Nicholas. In short, he is an icon of charity that is neither religious nor non-religious. In fact, he can be viewed either way, and is.

The Pagan aspect of Christmas is also in the concept of sharing, by utilizing a decorated tree as a symbol of sacredness, and the circling around it, holding hands, as a way of sharing in the sacredness. And yes, there is also a feminine principle behind it as well, but we’ll leave that for a different discussion. While the evergreen tree is also a Christian symbol of eternity, the decoration of said tree is an ancient Pagan practice. But one that has been secularized over the centuries to the point where the purpose of the decorations are no longer the same. These days, people just do it because it looks pretty. And let’s face it, it does look pretty.

The Christian concept is also a concept of sharing, but one that celebrates God’s greatest gift to Humankind—the birth of the Son who would one day give the greatest gift of all: His life. So, the Christian concept is also a concept of self-sacrifice, the willingness to lay down one’s life for others—a good and noble concept that goes beyond just being religious in that it’s a concept that all good people see as worthy regardless of personal beliefs. It is a concept that dates back to Humanity’s beginnings and therefore, even with the Christian expression of said concept, can also be seen as a Secular and Pagan concept.

So whether you see it from a Secular perspective, or a Pagan or Christian perspective, Christmas at its core is still a Holiday about giving: a Holiday with meaning. And that is a concept we can all share.

Which really makes you wonder why so many “Secularists” seem so dead-set on trying to get rid of it, doesn’t it?