The Magic of Christmas: A Celebration of Joy and Togetherness
Have a holly, jolly Christmas! Because it’s the best time of the year, and here's why.
It's wintertime, and the end of the year is in sight. Thanksgiving is over, and the snowstorm of a holiday, which is Christmas, is coming in hot. By this time, it's December, the jolly, snow-filled month where Christmas music fills our ears and sets off the theme for the rest of the month. Millions of people worldwide get stirred up in the excitement and celebrate Christmas because it is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, where people gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, go on holiday vacations, and create cherished memories with their loved ones, and you should too.
“Christmas is the greatest holiday”
In “Christmas is the greatest holiday,” William Chamblee writes about the main reasons why Christmas is so great, including the religious significance of Christmas, its unique cultural impact, how Christmas movies and music are some of the most popular in their respective markets, and the overall experience that Christmas provides.
The first reason to love Christmas is because it brings us together with family and friends to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. William Chamblee mentions, in “Christmas is the greatest holiday," that “Christmas is also a deeply religious time for some.” and, “…whether Christmas for you is a religious holiday or just a time to reconnect with family and friends, it still holds an impact” (2020). Jesus’ story has been passed down for over 2,000 years and remains beloved and cherished. According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a humble stable. The north star shone bright, and the angels sang all over the world, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV). The Nativity story reminds us of the incredible love God has for us. People of all faiths come together to celebrate and give thanks for their blessings. They sing festive songs, share holiday food, and attend beautiful church services and plays, all in commemoration of the Nativity. Christmas gives us warm and fuzzy feelings, as it is the happiest time of year. How can someone dislike Christmas?
The second reason to love Christmas is the cultural impact it leaves with somber memories that are created and cherished every year. Families and friends come together to exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees, have dinners, and watch movies, all of which contribute to making the holiday season more memorable. “It is when families and friends come together and give gifts to one another to celebrate their love for each other. There are not many better feelings in the world than when a loved one opens the gift you gave them and smiles. Christmas serves as a great reminder of why we come together as friends and family” (Chamblee, 2020). Some people have specific memories that make this time of year special for them, such as a grandparent who always made Christmas special or a favorite aunt who knew exactly what gift to give them every year.
If you’re wondering how to make memories like these, the answer is simple: just enjoy yourself! Creating memories can come naturally through various activities. You could plan a festive day out with friends at a theme park, enjoy some hot cocoa while there, go sledding, skiing, or build a snowman, bake Christmas treats while playing jolly music, buy fun Christmas pajamas and host a sleepover, or do a festive craft while watching a movie. These are just a few examples of activities that can help create cherished memories. During Christmas time, people also host weddings, celebrate anniversaries, go on first dates, get asked out or proposed to, and celebrate birthdays. What a magical time of the year!
Thirdly, of course, we can’t forget about the delicious food. Traditional Christmas foods like roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are staples in many households. But beyond the classics, there are a plethora of other Christmas treats that people look forward to, such as gingerbread cookies, fruitcake, candy canes, and eggnog. The mere thought of these mouth-watering delicacies can transport you back to your childhood, evoking memories of family gatherings and joyous celebrations. The sound of the turkey sizzling in the oven, the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, and the sweet taste of eggnog can all create a sense of warmth and comfort that is unique to the holiday season. Apart from the food itself, the act of preparing and sharing Christmas meals is an integral part of the celebrations. Families and friends come together in the kitchen to cook, bake, and decorate, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. The holiday season is a time for giving, and sharing delicious food with loved ones is one of the best ways to show you care.
The fourth reason is the music. Christmas music is not just an integral part of the holiday season, but it also has the power to evoke emotions and create a sense of nostalgia. Throughout December (sometimes earlier), festive Christmas music rings in our ears as the theme for the holiday. Whether it’s traditional carols or modern pop songs, Christmas music can bring people together and create a festive atmosphere. The joyous spirit of Christmas is enhanced by the sound of cheerful music. In addition to the classic carols like “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Silent Night,” there are countless other songs that are associated with Christmas. From Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” these songs have become synonymous with the holiday season. The joy of Christmas music is not limited to listening to it at home or in the car. Many people attend Christmas concerts and sing-alongs during the holiday season. These events are a great way to get into the festive spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Last on the list mentioned by Chamblee is movies. Christmas is incomplete without movies. It’s the time of the year when families gather around the TV, snuggle under blankets, and watch their favorite classic and modern Christmas movies. There’s something about these movies that makes them so special. Maybe it’s the heartwarming storylines that always have a happy ending, or perhaps it’s the nostalgic feeling they evoke. Regardless, it’s a tradition that has been carried on for generations. From the poignant “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the classic “A Christmas Carol,” the charming “Miracle on 34th Street,” and the modern hits like “Elf,” “Home Alone,” and “The Polar Express,” there is no lack of Christmas movies to watch during the festive season. These movies are a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, snacking on popcorn and hot cocoa, and create lasting memories. These movies have a unique way of creating a magical atmosphere that fills homes with warmth and joy. They help to put everyone in the holiday spirit, and it’s easy to see why they have become such an essential part of the holiday celebrations. Even though we may have watched them numerous times, they never lose their charm and have a special place in our hearts.
Overall, Christmas is undoubtedly one of the greatest holidays, and William Chamblee’s essay highlights some of the main reasons why. From the religious significance of the holiday to the cultural impact it has, the delicious food, the festive music, and the classic movies, Christmas provides a unique experience that brings people together. The holiday season is a time for creating lasting memories with loved ones, and Christmas offers countless opportunities to do so. Whether it’s through gift-giving, festive activities, sharing meals, or watching classic movies, Christmas provides a magical atmosphere that fills homes with warmth and joy. It’s a time to celebrate and appreciate the blessings in our lives and to spread love and kindness to those around us.
“Why Christmas Is the Best Holiday”
In “Why Christmas In the Best Holiday,” Brianna Garcia-Andrade writes to convince the reader that Christmas is the most favored holiday. Her reasons for this are: Christmas being during the peak of winter; Christmas having a unique way of bringing people together; and finally, the festive decorations.
The first reason why Christmas is the best holiday is, during Christmas, people around the world celebrate the holiday season in the midst of the peak of winter. This time of year brings snow, ice, and chilly weather that creates a magical atmosphere. The snow provides a perfect opportunity for people to engage in various winter activities, both indoors and outdoors. For those who love the outdoors, snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are perfect activities to enjoy during the holiday season. Ice skating is also a popular winter sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Additionally, building snowmen, having snowball fights, and making snow angels are classic winter activities that are perfect for children and adults alike. Indoor activities are also great for those who prefer to stay warm and cozy during winter. Sipping hot chocolate while sitting by the fire, watching a classic Christmas movie, or baking holiday treats are just a few examples of indoor activities that can be enjoyed during the winter season.
The second reason why Christmas is considered to be the perfect holiday is that it seems to have a unique way of bringing family and friends together. This makes it an ideal time for people to plan their trips and visit their loved ones. “Most of the time, people use Christmas as a time to see each other at least once a year because it’s a big and meaningful holiday” (Garcia-Andrade, 2021). Whether you are looking for a sunny beach holiday with family or want to hit the snowy slopes of a winter wonderland with a friend, there is something for everyone during the festive season.
If you prefer a warm and sunny holiday, Florida is a great option with its tropical beaches and a pleasant average temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, if you are a winter sports enthusiast, then Colorado’s snow-capped mountains are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Visiting cozy and festive Christmas villages is also a popular activity during the winter season, as it creates a magical experience that makes people feel like they are part of a beloved Christmas Hallmark movie. There are several charming “Christmassy” towns across the country that are great places to visit with family and young children, such as Saratoga Springs in New York, Solvang in California, and Stockbridge in Massachusetts. You can enjoy the delightful holiday decorations, attend Christmas markets, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. Christmas is a perfect time to take a break from the daily grind and indulge in the holiday spirit.
The third reason is the abundance of festive decorations that come with Christmas. “Walking through neighborhoods and towns looking at all the different lights is a breathtaking sight. Decorating the Christmas tree with your family while listening to Christmas music is also always a good time” (2021). From twinkling lights and colorful ornaments to wreaths and ribbons, Christmas decorations create a magical ambiance that can make even the grumpiest Scrooge smile. One of the most iconic Christmas decorations is the Christmas tree. Whether it’s a real tree or an artificial one, decorating the tree with lights and ornaments is a beloved tradition for many families. The tree serves as the centerpiece of the holiday season, and it brings a sense of warmth and coziness to any room it’s in.
In addition to the Christmas tree, there are many other decorations that add to the overall festive atmosphere of the holiday season. String lights, wreaths, and garlands are just a few examples of decorations that can be used to add a touch of Christmas cheer to any space. Many people also enjoy decorating the exterior of their homes with lights and other festive decor, creating a winter wonderland for all to see. Another reason why Christmas decorations are so beloved is because they evoke feelings of nostalgia and tradition. Many families have heirloom decorations that have been passed down from generation to generation, and these decorations hold a special place in people’s hearts. Decorating the home for Christmas is a way to honor these traditions and create new memories with loved ones.
In the end, Brianna Garcia-Andrade has presented compelling arguments as to why Christmas is the best holiday. The winter season provides a magical atmosphere that is perfect for various indoor and outdoor activities. The holiday season also offers a wide range of tourist attractions, theme parks, and seasonal goodies that are available only during the winter season, making it an ideal time for people to plan their trips and visit their loved ones. Finally, the abundance of festive decorations, from Christmas trees to twinkling lights and colorful ornaments, adds to the overall festive atmosphere of the holiday season. Christmas decorations create a magical ambiance that evokes feelings of tradition and nostalgia, making them beloved by people all around the world. These reasons, combined with the spirit of giving and spending time with loved ones, make Christmas a unique and special holiday that is cherished by many.
References
Will Chamblee, et al. “Christmas Is the Greatest Holiday.” The Baylor Lariat, 17 Nov. 2020, baylorlariat.com/2020/11/16/christmas-is-the-greatest-holiday/.
Garcia-Andrade, Brianna. “Why Christmas Is the Best Holiday.” The Advocate, 21 Jan. 2021, fghsnews.com/3548/featureandopinion/why-christmas-is-the-best-holiday/.
