The Nightmare of Christmas: How We Sold Out the Season’s True Meaning
The Nightmare of Christmas: How We Sold Out the Season’s True Meaning
The twinkling lights, the brightly wrapped packages, the jolly face of Santa Claus plastered across every storefront—Christmas has become the crown jewel of the commercial calendar. Yet, behind the glitter and the shopping frenzies lies a troubling reality: the true meaning of Christmas has been lost to a consumerist nightmare.
A Holiday of Hope Turned Materialistic Frenzy
Christmas was once a holiday rooted in reflection, gratitude, and community. For Christians, it represents the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, love, and the ultimate gift of redemption. For others, it has long been a season of togetherness, generosity, and simple joys. However, the modern Christmas has morphed into an extravagant shopping spree fueled by clever marketing and societal pressure to overspend.
The shift didn’t happen overnight. In the early 20th century, businesses began to capitalize on the season, encouraging shoppers to buy gifts, decorations, and festive indulgences. Over time, traditions like gift-giving, once symbolic of goodwill and sacrifice, turned into obligations and competitions. Today, the holidays seem defined not by love or gratitude, but by sales targets, endless wish lists, and debt.
Consider Black Friday—the chaotic shopping day now synonymous with Christmas preparation. Scenes of people trampling one another to buy discounted TVs or toys paint a grim picture of how far society has veered from the season’s intended spirit.
We have lost true meaning of Christmas and even the scripture from Luke 2:14 “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men” no longer exists. When there are fights during black Friday sales for a limited toy between grown adults, there is no peace or goodwill.
The Real Birthday of Yeshua (Jesus)
Although the bible never provides a specific date for the birth of Yeshua, there are numerous accounts that have specified that he was born the 21st day of Nisan in the sign of Aries, which in the modern day Gregorian calendar would be in April.
This means that the celebration of the birth of Yeshua (Jesus) should not be in December at all. Just like how modern Christianity has twisted the message of Yeshua, the date of his birth has been used since the beginning of Christianity to align and control the population.
Does that mean we should not be celebrating the birth of Yeshua? Of course not, but it should bring us pause and look at what this celebration has turned into with Christmas Trees, Santa, expensive gifts, etc. This also includes the false narratives about the nativity scene and the night of the birth of Yeshua. If you are unsure of what I am referring to, visit the Yeshua Birth page.
The Origins of the Christmas Tree
While many may view the Christmas tree as a sacred symbol of the holiday, its roots lie in ancient pagan traditions. Long before Christianity, evergreen trees and wreaths were used to celebrate winter solstice festivals like Saturnalia in Rome and Yule among Germanic tribes. These evergreens symbolized life, renewal, and resilience during the harshest winter months.
By the 16th century, German Christians adopted the practice of decorating trees in their homes to celebrate Christmas. Legend credits Protestant reformer Martin Luther with adding candles to the branches, inspired by the beauty of stars twinkling through the trees. The practice gained widespread popularity when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were depicted around a Christmas tree in an 1848 illustration, launching the tradition into homes across Europe and America.
Today, Christmas trees are as much a commercial product as any other festive icon, with millions of artificial and real trees sold every year—often with little reflection on the meaning behind the symbol.
The Evolution of Santa Claus
Santa Claus, the jolly gift-bringer we know today, has undergone an even more significant transformation. His origins trace back to St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity and kindness, particularly toward children and the poor. The legend of St. Nicholas spread across Europe, with variations like Father Christmas in England and Sinterklaas in the Netherlands.
When Dutch settlers brought Sinterklaas to America, his image began to evolve. By the 19th century, poets and writers like Clement Clarke Moore, author of "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas"), transformed him into a jolly, bearded man riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
However, it was the power of advertising that solidified Santa as the modern icon of Christmas. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola popularized the red-suited Santa we know today in a series of ads, turning him into the ultimate face of holiday cheer—and consumption. No longer a humble saint, Santa now presides over shopping malls and catalogs, a symbol of indulgence rather than generosity.
Can We Reclaim Christmas?
The commercialization of Christmas is difficult to ignore. From Black Friday sales to the pressure to spend thousands on gifts, decorations, and parties, it is easy to feel trapped in a cycle that prioritizes materialism over meaning. Yet, reclaiming Christmas is not impossible.
Here are a few ways to focus on what truly matters:
1. Simplify Gift-Giving: Prioritize meaningful, thoughtful gifts over expensive or excessive ones. Handmade items, experiences, or charitable donations can often carry more value than store-bought products.
2. Reconnect with Tradition: Reflect on the original meanings of symbols like the Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Share their stories with family and friends to give the holiday depth.
3. Focus on Community: Spend time volunteering, hosting gatherings, or simply being present with loved ones.
4. Pause and Reflect: Step away from the rush of shopping and social obligations to reflect on gratitude, hope, and the joy of giving without expectations.
The True Spirit of Christmas
Christmas has always been about light in the darkness—whether through faith, love, or connection. In a world increasingly driven by consumerism, it is up to individuals and families to reclaim the true meaning of Christmas and move away from the darkness that now surrounds this magical event, the birth of Yeshua.
The nightmare of Christmas doesn’t have to continue. By stepping back from the frenzy, we can rediscover the true spirit of the season—one that doesn’t come with a price tag.
Black Friday Craziness
