keeping the 'st' in christmas...

Each year, my family celebrates Christmas on December 24th. We drive out to the home of my brother and his wife, eat, play games, etc. The annual get-together is an event to which I look forward with great anticipation. I enjoy the family holiday parties because it gives me a chance to hang out with the people who are most important to me. With few exceptions, there is much joy and merryment. With few exceptions...

Last night, as we sat around the Christmas tree, my thirty-something niece attempted to capture the attention of my three year old daughter. Apparently, she was going to educate my daughter on the 'reason for the season.'

Niece: Do you know whose birthday we are celebrating?

Paul: Uh uh. We don't do that at our house.

Niece: What do you mean you don't do "that"?

Paul: We don't talk about the Jebus. It's not our thing.

Niece: Since when?

Paul: Umm, most of my adult life.

Niece: Well, what are doing here then?

Paul: Keeping the 'st' in Christmas.

Fortunately, she was distracted by something shiny so the discussion didn't become a yuletide theological debate which would likely have ended very badly. Later, on the drive home, I pondered her question. If I don't worship the Jebus, why do I celebrate Christmas?

As I mentioned, I enjoy the times when I can be with my whole family. We see each other only sparingly throughout the year. So, it's a treat when we are able. There's more to it, though. I enjoy many aspects of Christmas.

Unlike some, I get a kick out of wading through the throngs at the shopping centers. I like that nearly everyone salutes and responds with holiday greetings. The holiday brings with it many delicious goodies (My personal favorite is the peanut-butter cookie with a Hershey's Kiss in the center). It's the time of year where each of my children can be entirely content. Yep, there are myriad reasons for me to enjoy Christmas without the Christ.

Interestingly, my niece appeared marginally offended that I was celebrating Christmas but don't support or believe in the Jebus. It's not as if I objected to the tree or Nativity. I was merely informing her that asking my daughter such a question wouldn't receive a satisfactory response. My daughter doesn't know about the Jebus yet. When my daughter is older, I'll teach her about the Jebus, Ahab, Mohamed, King Lear, and other important fictional literary characters.

I suppose that I celebrate Christmas out of tradition and as long as there is no harm in it, I'll continue each year. I'd like to elaborate on the topic, but I have to get going. It's time to prepare the fruit for my family altar. Tet is right around the corner.