Why Christmas is the Best Holiday Ever
My family's humble Christmas tree
What is Christmas?
The word Christmas comes from the words Cristes maesse, or "Christ's Mass." For Christians, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and it is generally thought that the first Christmas took place in Rome in 336 A.D.
Christmas is both a holiday and a holy day. It is an important religious day for Christians and is one of six holy feast days celebrated in America. It is recognized as a major holiday by U.S. public institutions, including government and schools - even many businesses give people the day off for Christmastime.
(Thanks for howstuffworks for much of this information.)
For some this is what Christmas is all about
Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Christmas
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Not just my favorite holiday, mind you, but my favorite time of year, period. It's not necessarily because of the presents, although I do love buying presents and receiving them isn't bad either. And I'm not religious either. There's just something about the season, the time of year, and the atmosphere that makes Christmas my all-time favorite.
10 . The weather is one of a kind.
I live in the Bay Area of California, so we don't exactly experience snow to the extent the East Coast does. However, winter still means mittens and scarves for us. Skirts and flip flops get old (though there are those who still stick to them when it's cold).
9. The movies and music are unforgettable.
Christmas music has become such a significant part of my holiday experience. It starts when my mom and I wake up at 4 a.m. for Black Friday shopping (which we have done for years), and we drive over the river and through the woods to go to the stores - we listen to the same Christmas albums every year (including Kenny Rogers and Celine Dion), and it isn't Christmas to me without them.
"Jingle All the Way" is one of those movies the whole family can watch without getting mad (except when my parents gripe about Arnold's job as Governor of California). Otherwise, we all enjoy those holiday films and episodes we scrape out from the bottom of the VHS box and view... old school "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Garfield and Charlie Brown Christmas specials, and, of course, "It's a Wonderful Life."
8. Things smell so good.
Christmas trees, cinnamon and spices, cold ground after rain and snow, baking hams... yeah...
7. The food is delicious and so special.
Besides fruitcakes, there are dozens of holiday treats that make my mouth water. Eggnog and Christmas cookies included... these are things I look forward to every year.
6. The decorations are fantastic.
Face it: nothing can beat the loaded window displays, the ribbons and garlands around every lamp post, the glittering lights of various colors and doilies, and nativity scenes, and the trees...!
5. ...Presents.
Need I say more? I'm a big fan of wrapping presents as well (not true for my dad though). I am known for buying my presents early and being able to find the best gifts. There's nothing like finding the perfect gift for someone and seeing their reaction when they rip open the wrapping paper.
4. It's not necessarily JUST for Christians and Catholics.
I am not of any denomination, yet I absolutely adore Christmas. It has become so commercialized that agnostics like myself can still experience it. But the devout can still enjoy the holiday for everything it symbolizes and celebrates religiously. To me, the wonder and glory of Christmas as I know it is something I want to share with everyone. And who knows? Usually I go to church with my Christian mother and partake in the songs too. I may not be very pious, but I respect what Christmas means to those who are.
3. It's celebrated all over the world.
While there are world issues that separate nations and peoples, Christmas is something that people around the world can share.
2. Family comes together.
Christmas is about the only time of year I see people outside my immediate family. They come to the house and we get to regroup for the first time in 364 days. It's the closest I feel to my family and it makes me feel so grateful to have them in my life.
1. Everything is so happy.
In spite of mad shoppers and grumpy retail workers, I revel in the air of Christmas. As cliché as it sounds, it really is magical to me. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
So Christmas is a little commercialized...
We love the Christmas Light competitions!
All About Christmas
- Santa Claus and Christmas at the North Pole
Christmas for kids, adults, and teachers - Christmas activities and crafts
Some fun things to do related to Christmas - Classic Christmas Movies - Top Holiday Films - Classic Christmas Movies for the Holiday Season
There’s nothing like a great classic Christmas movie to bring all the holiday memories back with a rush. Cuddle up on the couch with some hot cocoa and mini-marshmallows, and watch one of these great Christmas movies to get in the holiday spirit. - Christmas Around The World
How different countries celebrate Christmas - Christmas Gifts - Gifts.com
Need help finding gifts? Start here! - Christmas Recipes | Allrecipes
Cookies to decorate, Christmas dinner ideas, and holiday party traditions like pudding and cake. See top recipes, videos and get tips from home cooks like you for making this Christmas special. - How to keep the magic of Christmas alive as an adult
Christmas has always been my very favorite holiday, in that it is a perfect opportunity to treasure your family, friends, and other things we have while celebrating the year that has passed and the sacrifices made for us by those we love. However, I
What do you think? Do you love Christmas too? Do you hate it?
Alexander James Guckenberger from Maryland, United States of America on December 07, 2017:
I read your introduction and I wanted to add that Spanish speaking peoples call Christmas "la Navidad" which means "the Nativity". I love Christmas.
Kas from Bartlett, Tennessee on December 31, 2014:
I very much enjoyed this hub glassvisage. Although many years ago I was an agnostic as well, I still enjoyed the christmas season. Just about every one of the reasons listed I would've probably listed. Now that I'm no longer an agnostic, I get the reason this holiday is so very very special and important. Voting this up and giving you some vote love. Have a happy new year. By the way, you're living in my state.
glassvisage (author) from Northern California on December 08, 2014:
Thank you for your comments! Happy holidays!
Damian on December 08, 2014:
I litter agree with every thing you just said. And Christmas is not just for Christian or not, its about having your family getting along and having fun. And once you get that spirit in you you just feel like you can do anything!
cosmomed from Sarawak. Malaysia on May 11, 2013:
Although I just celebrate Christmas by caroling and listen to Christmas songs, it is still memorable day for me! Spreading happiness to other people by singing Christmas songs does make you feel good!
Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on January 09, 2013:
The spirit of the season is so nice whether one is Christian or not. The sights, sounds, smells...yes...that is all nice! Hope you had a Merry Christmas that is now in the past and are enjoying the new year.
lee on December 17, 2012:
merry christmas
glassvisage (author) from Northern California on November 19, 2012:
Thanks everyone! I can't wait for the holiday!
Dan Harmon from Boise, Idaho on November 19, 2012:
I'm with you all the way - Christmas is my favorite time of year, bar none. I love the change in people as the season comes into effect full force. I love the sounds and decorations. I love being with the children as they experience the magic and wonder of Christmas morning.
We're not religious, either, but Christmas is still a wonderful season and holiday.
Carolina from Switzerland on October 14, 2012:
Christmas celebration is always our family's tradition. Since i was a child and now i have my own family. Cooking the best menu together, setting and decorating the dining table, The christmas tree full decorated that afternoon together. Wearing our favorite dress/clothes. A family picture before dinner, attending mass at 23:00 p.m., after the mass taking special dessert and cake, the last opening our gifts...thanks for sharing.
Linda Chechar from Arizona on October 08, 2012:
I have to agree with you, glassvisage. Even with all the hype and commercialism, Christmas is a very special time of the year! Thanks for sharing your impressions of the holiday!
jmartin1344 from Royal Oak, Michigan on September 30, 2012:
Couldn't agree more with your hub, Christmas is the best time of the year! I haven't been able to spend Christmas with my family in about 4 years now and it makes me realize just how great it used to be when I was younger.
Great hub
AnnaCia on September 25, 2012:
Hi. Very nice hub. Christmas for me is a special feeling more than anything.
geraldhakks on September 12, 2012:
I love Christmas season. Everything around our neighborhood is brightly lit at night, and the whole block looks alive.
whowas on July 23, 2012:
Nice little hub!
I love Christmas time, too, even though I am an atheist.
It seems to me that there has always been a mid-winter festival regardless of whichever dominant religion has given its particular spin to it an any particular point in history.
I live in north-western Europe and I can assure you that in the depths of winter, boy do we need those twinkly lights and songs and mulled, spicy wine to see us through the dark, cold days!
The other great thing about Christmas is that it lasts for twelve wonderful days and is so redolent with happy thoughts and memories. We also do one other thing each Christmas that makes it extra special, which is to make sure that we invite someone who would otherwise be alone to come and join us for our festive meal and an exchange of gifts. It's worth remembering that Christmas isn't a happy time for everyone but something simple like that can really make a difference.
That's the spirit of it, isn't it?
Jenna Pope from Southern California on July 13, 2012:
I love your 10 reason. Mine, too. Voted up.
Dharm Singh on March 02, 2012:
Great article post!in this article good explain of Christmas day festival and give top reason of this festival for love Christmas.
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Brody on December 13, 2011:
Society is wrong. They say that people just go on hating,when really, when you look around this time of year, all you find is love. Christmas is like, no matter how ridiculous it seems, the meat in the burger for all holidays; All that other stuff is good, but THIS is what you wait for. I love my family, friends, and I have everything a guy could ask for. But, while it 'Tis the Season to be Jolly', I agree that this is also the most stressful time of the year. But, the tree hitting the frozen ground when you ax it, the sound of little toddlers running into the bedroom to make sure you see what Santa laid out for them, and just knowing that someone out there is thinking of you makes this, undoubtedly, CHRISTMAS!!! God bless you all, and have a great holiday.
Nikki D. Felder from Castle Hayne, N.C. on November 20, 2011:
Family, funny movies, Jesus, decorations, and food that will make you hurt yourself... you've got to love it! Nikki D. Felder
cheataffair on October 08, 2011:
Christmas Is Pagan.
The Celebration comes from the Saturnalia.
IT is the birthday not of Christ, but of Mithra, Hercules and Apollo.
The Catholic Mass is about eating human flesh otherwise known as Cannibalism -- the worship of Baal.
You don't care about Christ, and if you did you would celebrate him every day.
Christmas and Easter are as Pagan as Halloween.
Don't drag Christ's name into your pagan Holiday of Self
Powerpoe1 on May 13, 2011:
Thanks for sharing, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. The birth of Jesus Christ. Your hub has explained traditions and the reason for the season. Happy Hubbing~
emanomer on January 07, 2011:
Thank you for taking the time and sharing this information with us. It was indeed very helpful and insightful while being straight forward and to the point.
lets celebr8 capitalizm ^_^ on December 28, 2010:
Jesus H.P. god dam*ned bestial demonspawn piece of sh!t twice-removed MOTHER FU[C-KING] Christ, Anonymous, I hope you are a troll.
Anyone of any religion who agrees with Anonymous about your religion being superior, please die and get *forcibly sent* by your "PERFECT" and "JUST" "GOD" of "LOVE" to your equivalent of !hellfire! and sit there for eternity and beyond, and then see if you think your religion is really so superior to any other person's sense of spirituality, simply because it's Yours, and you are Right, and you believe in Him or Her or Them and thus all Sin is forgiven and all burden of Personal, Ethical, Intellectual and Moral accountability is forever removed and you are free to r4pe and pillage and Sh!t on whoever you like.
I hate to ask someone of your stature and superiority to pause from your couch crusading and risk mild exertion of some form, but I believe it will be a good learning experience for you to try THINKING INSTEAD OF EATING.
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iamageniuster on December 18, 2010:
So true. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
sim0n30 from Ireland on December 15, 2010:
This is a great hub, I love Christmas and love people who love Christmas!
adair_francesca on December 13, 2010:
Christmas is my favorite holiday. Aside from the celebration and gifts, this is also the best holiday that you can celebrate with your love ones.
jade on December 08, 2010:
this is the most horrible top 10 things that you said why christmas is so fun.
i mean it is good, but you gave no details.
please if you write this again please add more detail about the presents and decorating the christmas tree.
that is the only thing i am asking for.
please and thank you.
Dazzling Image on November 29, 2010:
Aha! Christmas is round the corner once again and this is my favourite festive holiday throughout the year as it is the time to come together to care and share. Friends and family members will gather for a great meal and of course, gifts exchanges!
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christmas123spirit on November 24, 2010:
Christmas is my favorite holiday mostly because of the feeling. OK, sure i love the presents, but is there anything better then knowing that christmas is only x amount of days away!?!
Anonymous on November 12, 2010:
The Christian religion has superior holiday music than other religions do! :) So one reason to look that way is this: one of my sisters' former bf's who was Jewish, fell in love with the Christmas music being played around that season and he always wanted to accompany our family around the Christmas holidays and have fun with my aunt and her family on Christmas Eve at the party there, who recently passed away! :( But Christmas is the best! :) The reason the other religions don't commercialize their crap is because either they choose not to or they're just a little too shy! :)
glassvisage (author) from Northern California on November 09, 2010:
Thank you very much for stopping by!
Scarlett on November 05, 2010:
This is the marvelous post that I have come over after huge searches. I am really thankful to you for providing this unique information.Greetings from Scarlett!
paulstephenuk from London, UK on September 22, 2010:
Number 5 has to be the winner!
Razor Ground Force Electric Powered Go kart on May 30, 2010:
I love Christmas and I never ever miss any Christmas celebration with my friends and family! I am working and staying away from my family but in the month of December I always go back to home so as to enjoy and celebrate Christmas!
GojiJuiceGoodness from Roanoke, Virginia on February 16, 2010:
I love Christmas! It's one of the best times of year to spend relaxing, giving gifts to others, remembering our Savior and spending time with family.
rdelp on January 15, 2010:
I love Christmas to be with my family!
OpinionDuck on December 13, 2009:
I didn't have enough time this year to prepare for Christmas, so I am starting to decorate for next year, right after New Years. It sounded a lot more humorous before I read it in print.
johnmce from Brighton, UK on December 02, 2009:
I love xmas!!!!
glassvisage (author) from Northern California on December 01, 2009:
Betty, I just got started on that! Have fun!
Betty Reid from Texas on November 29, 2009:
It's stressful, but fun. I'm almost done shopping. Now I've got to start on Christmas cards.
chelsea_Heart from New York / London on November 28, 2009:
Three months of christmas it has been commericalised!
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nikki1 on November 27, 2009:
cool hub. Merry Christmas to all.
AARON on November 23, 2009:
happy holidays everyone
Hanna Bambina on November 11, 2009:
great idea for a hub!
Dao Hoa on October 27, 2009:
Great hub. We get some snow already.
jamestedmondson from San Francisco on December 05, 2006:
I couldn't agree more. I too cherish this season. Robin tells me that you go to Cal Poly. Did you see Santa in the UU today. They were also playing great christmas music. (I think the music should replace #4 in your list.)
Chuck Nugent from Tucson, Arizona on November 29, 2006:
Great Hub. My family and I also love Christmas and always look forward to it. Your pictures were great - I especially like the Rockefeller Plaza one with snow. I live in Tucson and miss the snow on Christmas (though I don't miss it that much during the rest of the winter).
