Last updated on December 27, 2024
Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s hands down my favorite holiday of the year. While I’m not religious, there’s just something about the atmosphere around Christmas that’s unmatched. Maybe it’s because I’m more of a winter person than a spring or summer type—cozy nights and frosty mornings feel like home to me. But more than that, it’s the festive energy that lights up the streets, the sense of togetherness, and the traditions that bring people closer. And let’s not forget about the presents. For me, Christmas has always been about that magical vibe.
But over the years, I’ve noticed something changing. It’s not just about fewer decorations or quieter streets; it’s the growing trend of trying to make Christmas an ‘inclusive’ holiday. This seems to happen more with Christmas than any other holiday. Today I’m sharing my opinion on this topic.
Let me start by saying that I chose Christmas as the topic to address this issue because it’s timely and relevant. I could’ve picked countless other topics to make the same point. My concern is this: in today’s society, we’re losing our way by trying to make everything inclusive. And ironically, in doing so, we’re making things less inclusive.
Why can’t we, as a society, accept that it’s okay to have different values depending on what we believe in? Christmas, for me, is a holiday that stands for togetherness—spending quality time with family and friends. For others, it’s a deeply religious celebration of the birth of Christ. And for some, it’s simply a time of year they choose not to acknowledge, perhaps because it’s rooted in Christianity. And you know what? Every single one of those perspectives is perfectly fine.
What’s not fine is trying to strip Christmas of its essence. Changing its core identity by removing the word ‘Christmas’ and replacing it with generic terms like ‘Happy Holidays’—just to avoid offending anyone—diminishes its meaning for those who cherish it.
Here’s a potentially controversial take: it’s okay to feel offended sometimes. We can’t—and shouldn’t—sanitize everything in life to the point where it becomes meaningless. Offense can be an opportunity to reflect, to understand, and even to grow.
Traditions exist for a reason, and every culture has its own unique customs. That diversity is one of the greatest beauties of this world. Instead of forcing everyone into a ‘one size fits all’ model, we should embrace and celebrate these differences. Each tradition has a story—shaped by history, beliefs, and shared experiences. By showing interest in these traditions, learning about their origins, and reflecting on what they mean, we open ourselves to a greater understanding.
But ultimately, we need to accept that not every tradition will resonate with everyone—and that’s okay. As long as a tradition isn’t harmful, racist, or violent, we should respect its place in the world. Not all traditions need to be for you, and that’s part of what makes them special.
Luckily, I’m seeing a shift in the world—a positive one. More and more, people are standing up for what they believe in and defending the traditions and values they hold dear. And that’s how it should be. We shouldn’t let others dictate what we can and can’t celebrate or how we choose to honor our traditions.
By standing firm in our beliefs while respecting those of others, we can create a world where diversity is truly celebrated—not erased.
Merry Christmas.