Decolonize Christmas

On December 25th, a day of reckoning may finally arrive for those who have been quietly denying the reality of the commercialization of Christmas and its link to colonialism. As devout Christians reflect on their beliefs, they must come to terms with the fact that Christmas, as it is celebrated today, is not rooted in biblical teachings.

A growing body of evidence highlights the glaring absence of any mention of ‘Christ-mass’ celebrations within the Bible’s pages. Furthermore, there is no direct command from Jesus Christ to his followers to commemorate his birthday. This raises questions about the origins of modern Christmas practices and their true purpose.

One of the most striking aspects of contemporary Christmas celebrations is the commercial aspect. Mega-corporations, often with colonial roots, make the most significant profits during the holiday season. These multinational corporations have successfully leveraged Christmas as an opportunity to launch aggressive marketing campaigns and promote new products, perpetuating a cycle of consumption and exploitation.

As awareness of the historical connection between Christmas, colonialism, and capitalism increases, believers must grapple with the uncomfortable truth that their cherished holiday may not align with their faith’s core principles.

Amidst the holiday season, individuals with the noblest intentions find themselves sinking into debt as they strive to fulfill the expectations of their loved ones through the exchange of gifts. The echoes of colonialism reverberate through this consumer-driven culture, as reciprocal gifting becomes a social obligation rather than an act of generosity.

The financial strain weighs heavily upon families as they are swept up in the frenzy of buying gifts for their children, nieces, and nephews, who eagerly anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. Yet, the true meaning of the holidays is lost amidst the piles of superfluous and often impractical purchases that only serve to tighten the chains of indebtedness.

Colonialism’s Impact on the True Spirit of Christmas: A Shift in Focus from Giving to Receiving

The Bible, a foundational text for Christians, emphasizes the virtue of generosity, stating that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). However, the Christmas season has witnessed a stark contrast to this teaching, particularly in regions shaped by colonialism. Rather than celebrating the joy of giving, the holiday has evolved into an occasion dominated by eager anticipation for material possessions and superficial gifts.

Many devout Christians assert that the path to divine blessings lies in obedience to God’s word, not in the accumulation of gift cards or earthly belongings. The ongoing distortion of the Christmas spirit raises questions about the role of colonialism in fostering a cultural shift towards consumerism and materialism, overshadowing the deeper religious meaning of the holiday.

 

Colonialism’s Influence: The Unmasking of Christmas and its Pagan Roots

In recent years, the celebration of Christmas has come under scrutiny for its lack of true biblical foundation and connections to colonialism. As critics point out, there is little in the Bible that supports the holiday’s practices or even its existence, raising questions about its true meaning.

Initially intended as a spiritual holiday, Christmas has evolved into a complex web of consumerism, debt, and deception, particularly in relation to the stories told to children about Santa Claus. This divergence from Christ’s teachings and the increasing secularization of the holiday has led some to argue that its observance is not only a distraction but may also be in direct violation of the Ten Commandments.

The origins of Christmas date back to ancient pagan festivities, a fact often overlooked as the holiday became associated with Christianity over time. This conflation of traditions represents a clear example of colonialism in action, where Indigenous customs and beliefs are subsumed through coercion.

Indeed, celebrating Christmas may contravene the First, Second, and Third Commandments, which condemn the worship of false gods and idols. By partaking in these pagan-rooted festivities, critics argue that participants are inadvertently sinning and straying from the true teachings of Christianity.

As awareness of this issue grows, it remains to be seen whether Christmas will continue to be celebrated in its current form, or if a shift back towards its original, more spiritual purpose will occur.

The origins of Christmas have long been debated among scholars, with some questioning its connection to the biblical gospel altogether.

Historical evidence suggests that the early apostolic church did not observe Christmas, nor did they attempt to Christianize any pagan festivals that predated Christ’s birth. Early, pre-Catholic Christians did not celebrate Christ’s birthday at all, let alone on December 25th.

It wasn’t until the year 338 when Roman Catholic Pope Julius I declared December 25th as the official date of Jesus Christ’s birth, despite the fact that the Romans were responsible for Jesus’ execution over 300 years earlier. This declaration marked the beginning of what is now known as Christmas, a holiday that has been widely criticized for its colonialist overtones.

As we delve deeper into the origins of Christmas, it becomes clear that this holiday is not without controversy. While some may see it as a true Christian celebration, others view it as a perversion of Christian teachings, perpetuated by those who sought to assert their dominance over indigenous cultures through forced conversion and assimilation. As we gaze up at the stars, let us not forget the complex history behind this celebrated tradition.

According to historical accounts, the origin of the December 25th date for celebration pre-dates the birth of Jesus and can be traced back to Rome. The day was originally observed as a tribute to the Italic deity, Saturn, as well as a commemoration of the resurgence of the sun god.

According to pagan beliefs, the winter solstice marked the start of lengthening daylight hours, which typically occurred after December 22nd. As per their traditions, it was believed that three days after this event, the sun god would rise from the dead as the new-born and venerable sun.

This belief has been cited as the basis for the alleged deviation and corruption of authentic Christianity.

According to biblical texts, there is no explicit instruction for the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ as a religious holiday. For centuries, December 25th has been marked as a pagan festival in honor of the sun god. It is noteworthy that adherents who seek to serve God are directed not to partake in pagan celebrations or practices that contravene divine statutes. The ancient Romans, infamous for crucifying Jesus, were among those who celebrated “the new sun” on December 25th.

It’s important to note that the widespread acceptance of Christmas as a Christian holiday is also rooted in the history of colonialism. As Christianity spread throughout the world, it often supplanted local traditions and celebrations with Christian ones. This was particularly true in countries that were colonized by European powers, where Christmas became a symbol of the colonizers’ dominance over the colonized.

Critics argue that accepting Christmas as a Christian holiday without acknowledging its colonialist origins is a form of cultural erasure. They suggest that by recognizing the pagan origins of Christmas, and the way in which it was used as a tool of colonialism, Christians can begin to reclaim the holiday as a more inclusive and respectful celebration.

The origins of Christmas have been a subject of debate for years, and many who claim to be Christian may not be aware of the true history behind this religious holiday. The fact remains that Christmas, as celebrated today, has its roots in a long history of colonialism and cultural appropriation.

Despite the Bible’s teachings, many people choose to ignore the true meaning of Christmas and instead, focus on human traditions that have been imposed upon them through centuries of colonialism. This is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures and their traditions.

The true history of Christmas is an eye-opening revelation that sheds light on the ongoing legacy of colonialism and its impact on our world today. It is time to recognize and acknowledge the role of colonialism in shaping our understanding of this important religious holiday and to strive towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Colonialism has unfortunately left many people with a skewed perception of Christianity, and this is particularly evident during the Christmas season. Despite the pervasive influence of colonialism, few individuals are willing to confront the troubling questions surrounding the holiday’s celebration.

One of the most pressing issues pertains to the appropriation of cultural symbols. For instance, the incorporation of Santa Claus into the Christian tradition raises concerns regarding the portrayal of the birth of Christ. Similarly, the use of a Christmas tree, which originated as a pagan symbol, seems incongruent with the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

These complex issues highlight the profound impact of colonialism on the Christian faith and its practices. As we strive to reconcile these conflicting influences, it is crucial that we engage in critical reflection and thoughtful dialogue to better understand the implications of our traditions.

The tradition of singing carols and decorating Christmas trees may seem innocent and joyous, but a deeper examination reveals a troubling history rooted in colonialism. The origins of the Christmas tree, its ornaments, and the practice of giving gifts during the holiday season can be traced back to ancient Roman festivals, a testament to the enduring influence of colonizing cultures.

Furthermore, the use of the Christmas tree as a symbol of celebration has been deemed idolatrous by some religious authorities, highlighting the ways in which colonialism has imposed its values and beliefs on indigenous cultures. The adoption of these customs, even by those who do not subscribe to the religious implications, perpetuates the erasure of cultural practices and traditions that were suppressed by colonizers.

Similarly, the popular carol ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ romanticizes the nativity story by portraying shepherds tending to their flocks in blooming fields on a mild December evening.

This image stands in stark contrast to the realities of the region, where Jerusalem experiences cold and rainy weather during the winter months. This idealized version of the nativity story perpetuates a colonialist narrative that glosses over the harsh realities of it’s mythical origin.

In light of these troubling histories, it is important to reflect on the origins of holiday traditions and the ways in which they may perpetuate colonialist attitudes and practices.

The holiday known as “Christmas” is a falsehood that should not be celebrated by those who hold true to their spiritual and moral beliefs. This assertion is particularly relevant when considering the historical context of colonialism, a period during which the forced conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity was rampant. It is therefore understandable why some individuals, especially those who identify as Christian, may feel a sense of unease when engaging in the rituals and traditions associated with Christmas. Ultimately, it is important to acknowledge the problematic roots of this holiday and consider alternative ways to celebrate that align with our personal values and beliefs.

Colonialism has had a profound impact on the way Christmas is celebrated today. From the commercialization of the holiday to the incorporation of pagan symbols, the legacy of colonialism is deeply ingrained in many of our traditions. It is crucial that we recognize the problematic origins of these practices and engage in thoughtful reflection to better understand their implications.