“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.”

I’d hate to be a stinker…but who the fu%k is Jolly ole Saint Nick and Rudolph and em? Like many of you, I grew up celebrating Christmas…decorating the Christmas tree, baking Christmas cookies, exchanging Christmas gifts and singing Christmas carols–“all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.” One of my earliest memories of Christmas was being forced to sit on a fat white man’s lap and tell him what I wanted for Christmas, I cried, kicked and even swung at a few elves before my Mother threatened me by saying “If you don’t take a picture with Santa Clause, you’re not going to get any Barbies for Christmas” Say what? I straightened up so quick and hopped on Santa’s lap for the picture. What did my Mother expect I’m from District Heights…there’s no fat white men giving out gifts around there! I had to be about 5, me and my six siblings got all dressed up in red and green and my Mother took us to Forestville Mall, I’m thinking we’re in line for Forestville’s famous snicker doodle cookies and before I knew it there’s Santa the guy I only seen in books yelling “Ho ho ho” like most kids I damn near lost it. As children we are taught that there is a such place called the North Pole where Santa, Mrs. Claus, the 9 reindeer, and elves live. The myth of Santa Claus has been reinforced by popular children’s books and movies–some movies I still watch to this day …“Home Alone,” “A Christmas Story” and the list goes on.

So what’s the real meaning behind Christmas? I have an understanding of the meaning behind: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Rosh Hashanah, Ramadan and other celebrated holidays. But Christmas…I’m not too clear on. I find that through out life the meaning of Christmas changes. During childhood it meant Santa Claus had a check list of all the naughty and nice children, so you’d “better not pout, you better cry” cause Santa Claus was coming to town to give gifts and toys to everyone. Then as you get older there’s an understanding that Santa really doesn’t exist so the meaning of Christmas becomes a holiday of giving; mostly giving that requires something with a price tag. Christmas is one of the most commonly celebrated holidays. But what exactly is it? Some say it’s dedicated to Jesus in celebration of his birthday? Well where are all the references of Jesus, Mary, Joseph or any other biblical mentions during Christmas? From my research and understanding the Bible never states an exact date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, others celebrate Christmas for non-religious purposes, by playing “make believe” of the myth that Santa Claus exists. And some give and take from both the religious side and the mythical side. I on the other hand enjoy Christmas because of the gathering of family, the feasting, and yeah I’m not gonna lie the gift giving.

But I must admit now that I’m growing, I wonder why have I gone all this time celebrating something that I don’t truly understand. As contradictory as this may sound, I’ll be spending tomorrow Christmas day opening gifts with my name on it from under the Christmas tree; but still wondering who the fu%k is Jolly ole Saint Nick and Rudolph and em anyway. Regardless of what you believe, “Tis the season to give”… so give knowledge.

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-If I don’t tell you, who will?
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