My partner and I are Jewish, and while we both grew up in secular households, we proudly identify as “culturally Jewish.” We celebrate major Jewish holidays, which means we get to enjoy family gatherings filled with laughter, memories, and, of course, delicious dishes like potato latkes and matzo ball soup. It’s a wonderful experience that teaches our kids about family, culture, and tradition.
However, just as we celebrate Passover and Chanukah, we also embrace Christmas with enthusiasm. If you asked my children, they’d probably tell you Christmas is the highlight of their year—the holiday they look forward to the most. We deck out our home with a sparkling tree, twinkling lights, and festive decorations, while eagerly making cookies and humming along to Christmas tunes. On Christmas Eve, we leave cookies for Santa and a few carrots for his reindeer. Like many kids, they can hardly contain their excitement and wake up at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning, eager to unwrap gifts stacked beneath the tree.
You might wonder how a non-Christian family can celebrate Christmas. Well, it turns out we’re not alone. A Pew Research survey from 2013 revealed that the vast majority of Americans—9 out of 10, to be exact—celebrate Christmas. And among those who identify as non-Christian, a whopping 80% partake in the festivities, seeing it more as a cultural event than a religious one.
This shift towards viewing Christmas as a cultural holiday is becoming increasingly common. In the same Pew survey, nearly half of respondents did not consider the holiday to be religious, with 32% viewing it primarily as a cultural occasion. When asked what they anticipate most about Christmas, only 11% mentioned the religious aspects, while around 70% expressed that it’s a time to connect with friends and family.
Now, I don’t want to downplay Christmas’s significance for those who celebrate it as a religious holiday—it’s undoubtedly a sacred time for many Christians. However, for countless others, it transcends religious boundaries. It’s about warmth, kindness, and creating cherished memories. The aroma of pine, gingerbread, and a cozy fire adds to the magic, and for many, indulging in peppermint bark is practically a spiritual experience.
Interestingly, this trend of de-emphasizing Christmas’s religious elements is particularly pronounced among younger generations. As Greg Smith, a director at the Pew Research Center, points out, younger adults are less inclined to view Christmas through a religious lens, preferring to engage in cultural traditions that prioritize family bonding and festive cheer.
For most of us, Christmas is the epitome of joy—a time for traditions and making lasting memories with our children. It embodies family, peace, and goodwill. While some may criticize non-Christians celebrating the holiday or the diminishing focus on its religious roots, I say, “Don’t be a Grinch.” Your Christmas can be whatever you want it to be, just as mine can. We all could use a little extra cheer, and for many, Christmas offers a perfect opportunity for joy and hope.
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In summary, for many families like ours, Christmas is more than just a religious holiday; it’s a joyful celebration of culture, family, and cherished traditions, bringing warmth and happiness to our lives.