Holiday traditions are something that we don't really question. When you grow up with them, they just seem normal. However, you have to wonder what an adult from a totally different culture might think of our traditions. For them, they might be less than normal.
For example, since I'm Canadian, I had to learn about French culture to a degree in French class. One holiday I heard about was their version of April Fool's Day, which is called "Poisson d'Avril" (or, in English, "April Fish"). From what I recall, their April Fool's Day involves sticking paper fishes on peoples' backs and hoping they don't notice (or maybe yelling "April Fish" at them?). I don't really understand why a fish, but, then again, I'm not French.
The point is, to someone who is not French, that is pretty weird. I remember giggling about it as a child in French class. I just couldn't understand why a fish related to the concept of practical jokes... they always seemed a bit boring (or freaky) to me.
Christmas is one of those holidays that I imagine would be very difficult for someone to understand. Let's start at the beginning:
1. I would really question what a freaky fat man in a suit has to do with the birth of Jesus.
2. I would question the soundness of supporting slave labour. Santa clearly abuses his elves.
3. I would question the safety of the reindeer. Making them drive all the way around the world in one night seems like it is definitely on the abusive side.
4. I would question the secret to immortality that Santa has discovered, particularly considering that his cookie consumption rate would point towards a certain degree of cardiovascular issues.
5. I would question the logistics of the whole operation. How on earth does he visit EVERY house? Why don't all children get visited by Santa? How does the sleigh fly? How does he fit down the chimneys? How is he not shot down by the military? How does he avoid setting off burglar alarms?
6. WHY IS EVERYONE FINE WITH A CREEPY MAN SNEAKING INTO THEIR HOUSE EVERY YEAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT? It's terrifying when you really think about it. A stranger stalks you for the entirety of the year to judge whether or not you fit into his cookie-cutter definition of goodness, and then breaks into your house. He sneaks around, maybe eats your food, and leaves you goodness knows what in your house (produced by slave labour). For all we know, he could have terrifying motivations.
7. Why do we bring trees inside the house? Isn't it tree murder? I mean, this is the second turkey genocide, and now its also a tree genocide?
8. Why do we go to so much trouble for one day?
9. How on earth did some random traditions stick? Candy canes, the Nutcracker, the Grinch, Christmas lights, certain songs of varying quality...
In short, Christmas can be a confusing holiday when you really think about it. I, for one, am glad that I grew up with Christmas, though. It's my favourite holiday. How can you resist the one day of the year when you get to celebrate your family, celebrate Winter, celebrate new beginnings, celebrate miracles, and celebrate the gift of forgiveness? Christmas is amazing, even if not from a religious standpoint. Personally, I feel like the religious aspect makes it even more special for me, but, regardless, it's still a great celebration of various values and gifts. I hope everyone who is celebrating Christmas can truly get into the spirit this year! Who knows, maybe you can add your own new tradition... "December Duck", anyone?
-Laura
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