Does Christmas Get You Thinking and Feeling More Spiritual Than Usual?

For many, the holiday season encapsulates a time of warmth, togetherness, and reflection. However, for some, especially those who have experienced profound loss or hardship, the festive period can stir up conflicting emotions and spiritual insights. Does Christmas make one feel more spiritual? This article explores varying personal reflections and perspectives on the spiritual aspects of the holiday season, focusing mainly on personal anecdotes and reflections.

A Personal Journey: Transforming Christmas into a Time of Reflection

For a long time, my experience of Christmas was not marked by a spiritual revival, but rather an overwhelming urge to gift-giving. It wasn't until 2008 that this changed dramatically. The sudden loss of my only child at the age of 27 altered the very essence of the festive season for me. After the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one, occasions like Christmas deepened the sorrow and made the holiday season increasingly hard to bear.

Three years later, the loss of my husband of 30 years to a tragic accident compounded the pain. The subsequent passing of my mother, and then my father, within a span of just over a year, added layers of profound sadness and reflection to each subsequent Christmas. By the end of a decade marked by such losses, the once joyous holiday had lost much of its luster for me.

Religion and Spirituality in the Holiday Season

While some may turn to spirituality during Christmas, it's not something that has resonated deeply in my life year-round. For me, my relationship with faith remains a personal one, and my connection to Jesus is something I cherish throughout the year rather than during this specific time of celebration. The birth and resurrection of Jesus, as celebrated at Easter, hold a special place in my heart with their unique songs and reflections. However, these occasions stand out in terms of personal spiritual reflection rather than being a regular part of my yearly experience.

Understanding Spirituality Beyond Belief

Exploring the meaning of spirituality goes beyond mere religious beliefs. Spirituality often involves a deeper, more introspective connection to the world around us and a sense of the divine. In this context, the idea of 'thinking and being spiritual' can be seen as an existential experience, where the 'I' perceives the illusory nature of separate entities and instead experiences pure knowing and being. Therefore, while Christmas may not inherently evoke spiritual feelings for all, it can serve as a catalyst for deeper reflection and self-discovery.

Contradictions and Commercialization

Some argue that the holiday season, particularly Christmas, has lost its spiritual essence due to commercialization and misinterpretations. Believing in the true message of Abraham's God, performing pious acts, and celebrating the birth of Jesus on its authentic date are often cited as hallmarks of true spirituality. However, critics point out that the date of December 25th for Jesus' birth is not biblically accurate and that the teachings of Jesus have been somewhat altered over time.

Additionally, the commercial nature of Christmas can sometimes overshadow its deeper spiritual significance. The question then arises: are the commercial aspects of the holiday detracting from its spiritual essence? For many like myself, the holiday can still be a time for reflection, even if the celebration itself has morphed into something more secular and consumer-driven.

On a personal note, while I dread the emotional weight of some Christmas events, I try to make the best of them. The memories and loss make it difficult, but they also provide opportunities for deep reflection and renewal. Whether it's the messages of Abraham’s God, the purity of faith, or the complex narratives found in biblical accounts, the holiday season can be a powerful time for introspection and spiritual growth.