By: Paulina Jaar ’27
Sometimes it seems more people believe in Santa Claus than Jesus, and that half the American population celebrates Christmas with Jesus in mind, while the other half thinks Christmas and presents are basically synonyms. Non-believers, for one, consider it more a cultural holiday than religious. November rolls around and houses move quickly to envelop themselves in flashy lights. Men with grey beards hurry to enroll themselves in Santa school. Radio stations corrupt their listeners with overplayed songs—none of which mention Jesus. It seems people forget to mention the birthday boy on His very birthday.
But some Christmas favorites are universal. No matter the religion, the season has its obvious crowd-pleasers.
Festive music, for one, is especially noted in that list of favorites: “Who doesn’t love ‘Last Christmas’? Or Jimmy Stewart making you cry?” College student Mario Jaar thanks music for helping Christmas reach such a high ranking on the holiday spectrum.
For others, though, Christmas really is about presents—but more the giving part than the receiving. Fifteen-year-old Leila Dyer lists this as her number one favorite thing about the season.
“I love seeing people’s faces light up when they have a gift in their hands,” she said with a warm smile. “It’s the one tangible chance I get each year to show people how much I care.”
Ursuline student Lucy Coligado told a somewhat similar story of Christmas magic. Family traditions also take center stage for many. Hers does a kind of Secret Santa each year, but with a twist.
“We have a tradition—based off The Office—with my mom’s side of the family where we do a Yankee gift swap,” she shared. “My favorite part of Christmas is family.” The show she referred to is a workplace comedy—as the title suggests. An episode in season two of the beloved show inspired this tradition—one where gifts can be stolen just as much as given.
Television is another much-liked Christmas enthusiast. Mario Jaar—the previously mentioned college student—gives equal importance to festive movies as music of the same genre.
“You watch the same exact Christmas movies every year,” he said. “…but you never get tired of them.”
The Christmas movie of most liking, now for almost 80 years, continues to be It’s a Wonderful Life. Its message of hope and its famous line— “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings”—hints at Christian themes, even if the movie appeals to audiences of all beliefs.
Jesus likely loves our unique interpretations of Christmastime, nonetheless. The true meaning of Christmas lies in what we love: music, movies and even gifts. In every decorated tree, shared meal or favorite movie watched for the hundredth time, there’s a chance to reflect on what truly matters. Christmas is more than just the boxes under the tree—it’s about the love that brings people together. Maybe Jesus welcomes His birthday being celebrated in so many different ways.
THE BEAR FACTS 