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Charlie Brown, Bi-Religion, and the Real Spirit of Christmas
“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is really about?” Charlie Brown wonders aloud, arms wide open in frustration. It’s one of those moments that always hits me right in the feels during the holiday season. Those classic animated specials, like the ones from Seuss and Schultz, really know how to tug at our heartstrings.
Then there’s Linus, with his somewhat questionable blanket, stepping in to save the day. “I can tell you what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown,” he confidently states, launching into a Bible verse about the birth of Jesus. And, honestly, it’s like I’m hearing the adults from those shows—just a lot of noise that doesn’t quite resonate.
You see, I come from a mixed faith background. My mom’s side is Jewish, while my dad’s family is a mix of Episcopalian and Methodist. So, I don’t just celebrate Christmas; I also light the menorah for Hanukkah. Yep, I’m bi-religious! This duality means I often stumble upon memes and bumper stickers suggesting I’m doing the holidays all wrong.
I don’t attend church or temple regularly. I learned about Hanukkah from a Rugrats special (sorry, Grandma!), and my knowledge of the Bible mostly comes from pundits on TV and some hilarious parodies from The Simpsons. So, according to many online voices, I’m an abomination, supposedly contributing to the downfall of our great society.
Unpacking the Holiday Spirit
Let’s unpack that a bit. The notion that “Jesus is the reason for the season”? Well, if that were truly the case, we wouldn’t be celebrating in December, a date chosen to align with pagan Winter Solstice traditions. And those holly boughs? Yep, they have pagan roots, too, which early Christians actually tried to suppress. And “Put the Christ back in Christmas”? That’s not my vibe.
If Christmas is a significant religious event for you, that’s wonderful! Celebrate it as you see fit. But it’s important to recognize that the holiday season means different things to different people. For me, it’s lighting the menorah while my dad, who can’t carry a tune, sings “Happy Chanukah.” It’s my grandpa saying blessings over the candles as we share latkes and applesauce. For my friend, Christmas involves a family pageant with news reporters and even Spiderman. Another friend gathers all the kids in a room to line up for presents under the tree. And someone else hides a pickle ornament for everyone to find.
Christmas traditions can be quirky, unique, and downright charming—just like Charlie Brown’s scraggly Christmas tree. The real essence of Christmas isn’t in Linus’s Biblical recitation but rather in that little tree. It’s odd and imperfect, yet it exudes beauty because it’s nurtured with love. The special wraps up with the tree glowing with holiday spirit, thanks to Charlie’s loving family.
The True Meaning of the Holidays
To me, the holidays are about family—whether by blood or by choice. It’s about cherishing the people in our lives in whatever way we can. When it comes to organized religious traditions, I see it as honoring my ancestors. I love lighting the old menorah that belonged to my great-grandmother. It’s a connection to my past—just like unwrapping presents under the tree, a tradition passed down through generations.
I don’t mind those who want to incorporate Christ into their Christmas celebrations or those who find spiritual meaning in the holidays. Everyone has their own way of celebrating. For Linus, that Luke 2:4-14 passage brings joy, and it’s beautiful to see how it unites his family each year.
However, I do get concerned when people push their beliefs onto others, like getting upset when stores say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” That phrase doesn’t exclude Christmas; it embraces everyone, including folks like me who don’t quite fit into the mainstream Christian narrative. It’s a warm greeting to anyone celebrating Christmas, New Year’s, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or simply enjoying the festive lights. Personally, I think Jesus would be all for that inclusivity. After all, he probably celebrated Hanukkah too!
So this Christmas, feel free to put the Christ wherever you choose.
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Conclusion
In summary, the essence of the holiday season lies in love, family, and the unique traditions we hold dear, regardless of religious backgrounds.