Alright, folks, pull up a chair, grab your eggnog (or whatever store-bought concoction you’re calling “tradition” these days), and let’s chat about something that’s been tickling my brain this holiday season. What if—and hear me out here—Jesus didn’t want you to celebrate his birthday?
I know, I know. Cue the gasps, the clutching of pearls, and Aunt Karen’s disapproving glare. But seriously, think about it. Somewhere out there, Jesus might be side-eyeing our “celebration” and wondering how on Earth we got from a humble birth in a manger to Black Friday fistfights over TVs and $8 peppermint lattes.
Because let’s be honest: what we call Christmas today doesn’t exactly scream “Holy Night.” It’s more like “Holy crap, I maxed out my credit card again.” And the irony? Oh, it’s delicious—kind of like that overpriced fruitcake nobody eats.
We’ve got mass consumerism, gluttony, and enough holiday stress to make even Santa rethink his life choices. All in the name of celebrating a guy who preached simplicity, humility, and, oh yeah, not obsessing over material things. You know, the guy who flipped tables in the temple because people were turning faith into a cash grab. Imagine what He’d do if He saw us stampeding through Walmart for the last LOL Surprise doll.
And don’t get me started on how we’ve “Christianized” some very not-Christian traditions. That Christmas tree in your living room? Yep, straight out of Yule. The wreath on your door? Pagan. The feasting, the lights, the caroling? All borrowed (or, let’s be real, stolen) from winter solstice celebrations that were around long before the first Christmas.
But hey, Christians slapped some Bible verses on it and called it holy, right? Because what better way to win people over than to rebrand their cherished traditions as your own? It’s the ultimate religious version of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
Here’s the kicker (and yes, I’m reclaiming this phrase): The very things Jesus would probably celebrate—love, connection, charity, simplicity—are the first casualties of the modern holiday season. Instead of reflecting on His teachings, we’re too busy battling crowds, stress-baking cookies, and trying to one-up the neighbors’ Christmas lights display. Heaven forbid your lawn has fewer inflatable reindeer than Jim’s across the street.
And the gifts? Oh, the gifts. We’ve turned giving into an Olympic sport of excess. Half the time, we’re not even giving people what they want or need—we’re just checking off lists. And for what? So they can smile politely, say “Thank you!” and shove it in the closet to collect dust? Seems totally Jesus-approved, right?
Now, before you accuse me of being a Grinch or (gasp!) anti-Christian, let me be clear: I love the holidays. I love the lights, the food, the sense of togetherness. But what I don’t love is the sheer disconnection between what we say Christmas is about and how we actually celebrate it.
If we’re going to throw a massive birthday party for Jesus every year, shouldn’t it reflect what He actually stood for? Instead of stuffing ourselves and drowning in debt, maybe we could focus on generosity that doesn’t involve glitter-wrapped boxes. Instead of stressing about the “perfect” holiday, maybe we could find joy in simplicity. Instead of indulging in excess, maybe we could practice gratitude for what we already have.
And if you’re still clinging to the idea that modern Christmas is exactly what Jesus had in mind, well, I have some Yule logs to sell you. No, seriously—hit me up. They’re eco-friendly and smell amazing when they burn.
But in all seriousness, here’s my point: What if this holiday season, we took a step back? What if we ditched the chaos and got back to the roots—not just of Christmas, but of humanity? Because whether you’re celebrating Jesus, the return of the sun, or just a break from work, the heart of this season should be about connection, not consumption.
So maybe—just maybe—Jesus didn’t ask for this birthday bash at all. Maybe He’s just watching us all scramble around, stressed and exhausted, and thinking, “They missed the point entirely.”
But hey, what do I know? I’m just a farmer with dirt under my nails and a deep respect for Nature’s cycles. You do you—but if you’re looking to simplify, reconnect, and maybe even honor the true spirit of the season, let me know. I’ve got some great ideas for Yule celebrations that might actually bring you joy.
Until next time,
Traci
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