The Meaning of Christmas Graham
Cawthon | Guest Writer
| Published 12/12/03
Graphic By: Baudi Ratcliffe-Hollins
Christmas happens to be my favorite holiday. It
always has been and probably always will be. Despite the tremendous
commercialism of the season, it's the one time during the year where I
feel like a kid again. It's not simply the giving and receiving of
presents on Christmas morning that makes me feel considerably younger
than 22 but rather the season as a whole.
The winter chill fills the air as snow covers everything in sight. The
neighborhood is decorated in lights so numerous that Clark W. Griswold
himself would be jealous. Children are on their best behavior, knowing
full well that Santa Claus is watching their every move. As I look
around and see this taking place, I'm reminded of past Christmases.
Memories like visiting friends and family fill my mind. I remember going
sledding until my face could no longer stand the freezing cold and
coming inside and warming up by the fireplace. I remember waiting in bed
on Christmas Eve, anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival. I remember waking
up the next morning to find all the toys and treats left underneath the
tree. I've grown up a little since that time (now I actually prefer the
giving rather than the receiving), but December 25th continues to be my
favorite day of the year due, in large part, to these memories.
As big a fan of Christmas as I am, this year I decided join the rest of
the free world by shopping on Black Friday. Mere hours after consuming
massive amounts of turkey and dressing, I crawled out of bed at the ripe
hour of 5 a.m. and visited the booming business district of Woodbridge,
VA. Hoping the infamous shopping frenzy associated with the day after
Thanksgiving didn't apply to my hometown, I was dismayed to find
otherwise.
It was near 6 a.m., and the enormous line waiting outside Best Buy was
reminiscent of poor Russian villagers waiting for a loaf of bread. It
was like they were braving the cold and wet weather as though their very
life depended on staying in line. The scene was similar at Wal-Mart at 8
a.m. when the fire marshal had the doors shut due to the overcrowding.
I did purchase what I set out to buy that day. Although I may never do
it again, I'm glad to have lived through the war-zone shopping
experience that is Black Friday. However after reminiscing on my time
spent darting past fellow shoppers, it made me wonder what Christmas
means in these modern times.
Though I am a fan of capitalism, is there more to the season than simply
a sale on DVD players? Did Bethlehem even have a Best Buy? Does
Christmas have anything to do with an angel earning its wings thanks to
Jimmy Stewart? Is it about enraged mall shoppers coming to blows while
Kenny G's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" plays in the
background? Is it about outsmarting burglars after you're accidentally
left home alone? Is it about treats and toys for your niece named Sue or
a brand new Christmas tree for Cindy Lou Who? Maybe it is simply a
remedy for those who have hearts are two sizes too small.
While I pondered those questions, I thought it best to seek the advice
of the wisest and most knowledgeable friend I have - my television. As I
turned on my TV, the answer was right there staring back at me in the
form of Linus Van Pelt:
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them. And
they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not, for
behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
For unto you in born this day in the city of David a savior, which is
Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.' And suddenly there
was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and
saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill
toward men.'
. That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
That's what Christmas is all about, indeed.
___
Graham Cawthon is a Media Studies student and self-proclaimed pop culture junkie.
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