Home | Articles | Poetry | About The Author | Contact Us |
As a child I was taught and expected to celebrate Christmas and I did. Doesn’t everyone? Just about the whole world joins in these festivities of putting up their tree and placing colourfully wrapped gifts underneath ready for the fun and excitement of opening them up with exclamations of delight and thankfulness to Santa AKA Santa Claus, Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas. But really, as we grew older, we knew Mum and Dad were behind all of this frivolity and we duly pretended to go along with it all to keep them happy AND still receive the goodies. However, I must say that this was confusing at the time and it really didn’t make sense — something did not sit well with me — so I tried to ignore these thoughts and put them out of my mind for the sake of others. More on this later about my “Aha” moment of...‘Now I know’.
I do have many happy memories of family being together over Christmas lunch and dinner during searingly hot summer days where the mercury soared and climbed above limits no sane cook would welcome. Pedestal fans were mighty popular back then as air conditioning was not the norm in any household as yet, nor even existed from memory for domestic use. Invariably we would visit the grandparents who wanted time with their grandchildren. They cherished us as best as they knew how and we were given plenty of gifts. Mostly these were simple, cheap things like Christmas stockings bought in stores and filled with toys such as plastic whistles, spinning tops, and other assorted “made in China” toys along with coloured popcorn and lollies. Books were popular, as were beach toys and towels, colouring-in pencils (Derwents were the best back then), and then there were the dreaded items of clothing that children do not welcome or think should ever be given as a gift, but rather as a necessity item when needed during the year. Anyway, that was how us three kiddos thought at the time. Clothing to me seemed like it cancelled out other gifts...it erroneously took the place of an item that should have made it into the collection of presents, but for some strange reason didn’t quite make it there. Very confusing! Yet, our parents “sneaked” clothing in to pad up the volume of gifts on a budget. They meant well while we just smiled politely and said “Thank you Mummy and Daddy”, but thought otherwise and joked between ourselves...why?!
On Mum’s European, Baltic (Lithuanian) side of the family known as Ramonaitis and Stasaitis, we celebrated together on Christmas Eve eating gingerbread treats in the form of iced cookies called Pfeffernüsse and plenty of other German yummies such as Lebkuche, Stollen or Weihnachtsstollen. A nice bonus was that we were allowed to stay up really late which only occurred on this night each year. There were games outside during the evening and I remember Granny Mary who rode a bicycle well into her 70s, even being breathless chasing us kids all around her backyard which was of very generous proportions. We laughed and squealed delightedly as we had so much fun. Everyone seemed in a good mood and on their best behaviour because they were happy. Upon reflection now as an adult I guess they were trying to recapture any excitement they may have had as a child at this time of year. We won’t go into what they were like on a daily basis as better left unsaid. Suffice to say Europeans can get rather emotionally charged quite easily especially after having partaken of a few drinks such as Schnapps. There was plenty of laughter, the usual Kodak instamatic camera taking snaps (remarkably still in my possession in its original box stored safely up high on the cupboard shelf) where everyone froze like statues so as not to blur or ruin the film, and said the word “cheeeeese” for as long as they could sustain, before Poppa or Opa finally took the picture. Some weeks later when the film was eventually processed we could finally see if we came out with the awful and dreaded red eyes in our snaps after waiting patiently for the end of the film roll to be used on other special occasions. Ahh sweet memories.
On Dad’s side of the family we were a mixture of Baum and Webster...German and English. There was more formality coupled with correct etiquette but with undertones of controlled pleasure and excitement because it was Christmas after all! We enjoyed the tradition of Christmas pudding with sixpence pieces carefully and gently inserted randomly inside prior to Granny lighting the apex in a sudden burst of blue and yellow flame which was done in a flamboyant manner at the table. The pudding had been surreptitiously and generously doused in brandy (for medicinal purposes of course), replete with a twig of green holly adorned with a few red berries, which was a bit special to us children back then...it made for a dramatic experience to our young minds. Grandmother Zena (Asceneth) made everything so skilfully that one might think of which was associated with Christmas fare and could be baked for this day, and our dear old granny did it in style. She prepared weeks in advance with military style precision and memories are still there of watching her hang the pudding up in the sun room to cure and develop the rich, luscious flavours of the succulent fruit inside. Both grandmothers were exceptionally good cooks and the whole family immensely enjoyed all the delectable and amazing foods they prepared. Another memory which comes to mind is the Mr. Whippy van driving right outside Granny and Grandfather’s house at Glengowrie. Of course we were allowed to run outside and use our newly acquired sixpence pieces to buy an ice cream. After the huge lunch we had, and after our elders had a doze or “forty winks”, then we went to the local beach for a swim. Our grandparents lived only five minutes away from Glenelg beach so we practically lived on the clean, beautiful beaches of Adelaide all summer long. Many Christmases were enjoyed like this in the land down under where epic sweltering conditions were more the norm than not. Difficult to imagine having a cold, white Christmas like they do in parts of the northern hemisphere, but we felt like we did not miss out on anything due to watching movies with snow on the ground and snowflakes falling all about. Plus, our relatives, Dad’s sister, married a Swiss man and lived in Zürich, Switzerland, and so we saw plenty of snow in their snaps too.
Imagine having all these memories of family time together without the celebration of Christmas — how would this even be possible? Would people get together to share time with one another at a different time of year? Probably not in this lifetime. The world is geared up for December 25 and the vast majority would never willingly give it away. Maybe only a few would. But what if you would be able to spend at least one week with your loved ones? This is what I have exchanged Christmas for. The last time this occasion was celebrated by myself was back in 2006 and it was reluctantly done, only to please my immediate family, as all the arrangements had been made. Getting together at my home, while I was physically present, I was not present mentally, as God had just awakened me to the reality of this pagan time. I was shocked and confounded by what I had just come to realise. I remember having mixed emotions and feeling very conflicted now knowing that Christ was never in or part of Christmas. Learning about the real truth of what was behind the origins of Christmas historically resonated fully with me during that first year when reading my Bible. It was like reading it for the first time ever with eyes wide open to see what was really there to be absorbed. Absolutely fascinating yet surprising at the same time.
Reading Jeremiah 10 for the first time as an adult and with God’s Spirit, I could hardly believe my eyes. The following scripture painted a very distinct and clear image of the modern day Christmas tree to me. Here are the very words of God to His people in Jeremiah 10:1-5 “Hear the word which the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: ‘Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple. They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves’ ”.
Can you also see the same image? I remember having a tree that was so tall it touched the ceiling. Instead of watching TV, my eyes would hover then switch between the two objects until I think the tree adorned with sparkling ornaments and brightly coloured flashing festive lights, won over my attention completely. After learning the truth about Christmas I returned this tree to the shop from whence it came and was given a full refund as it had been purchased the year before and was in excellent condition like it had not even been touched or taken out of its original box. I did not expect to receive a full refund for over $500 but I did, and was very thankful at that as I could use this unexpected money wisely being a considerable amount for a single parent with a young child. This amount of money for a plastic tree now seems quite absurd and ludicrous when it was only a want and not a need.
Christmas is over and done with for another year; people are getting back into their normal routines with some returning to work while others are still enjoying a summer break until perhaps soon after the new year, despite all the fires around Australia and the terrible ongoing drought conditions. Did you enjoy your time with loved ones at Christmas? How were the family dynamics? Was everyone happy and ready to celebrate? Perhaps some family could not come, were ill, or even worse, were not here anymore for whatever reason — car accident, suicide, depression, cancer, or drug overdose. It is truly a wonderful blessing to be able to spend relaxed time with our family and friends. While the rest of the world celebrates the 24 hour period of December 25th, there are some, not many, who celebrate closer to the time of the actual birth of Jesus Christ. Instead of having just one day, God’s love is so great He gives us one full week plus an extra day thereby making 8 days, in addition to the travel time too. This celebration or festival is called the Feast of Tabernacles which sounded strange to me at first, rather old fashioned, but still valid for these modern day times. Seven days to rejoice and be with our physical as well as our spiritual families. Then, immediately following these 7 days we celebrate The Last Great Day which is also known as the eighth day. At the conclusion of these 8 days we all return to our respective homes whether within our state and country, or from overseas.
Until I made the choice to follow Jesus Christ, I hardly ever had holidays or vacations with my family because the money always went to the home mortgage, various bills, car repayments, and to fund different things for the children, but holidays seemed like an unattainable luxury. Now they occur each and every year because God wants us to unwind, relax, get out of our routines and usual humdrum, to really connect with loved ones, spiritual family, and others so that we get to know one another more deeply which helps to develop stronger bonds within these relationships. It is the most amazing experience to have and we all look forward to this so much as we think about where to go the following year and then start planning our travel routes, accommodation, and various other activities. From the past 13 years of attending these festivals of God, I do believe I can say with some authority that there is nothing like it and cannot imagine my life without this part of our annual celebrations.
While I did enjoy Christmas for the majority of my life, once I learned it has pagan roots, is steeped in pagan traditions, and not anything God wants us to do because it is based on lies, and in fact, is full of customs God wants no part of, I also now want no part of it. That is why I was confused as a child. How could the most trusted people in the world, my parents, who I depended on for all my needs at such a tender age, tell me such lies? I did feel betrayed but have forgiven them as they did not know any better. They were deceived and were not aware of their deception. Those of us who do know that Christ was not born anywhere near December 25th realise that even though people may have good intentions of honouring their Saviour at Christmas, know that God does not want any part of this false worship. Why should you be deceived and remain deceived any longer? You have a choice to make...either keep doing what you are doing based on what your parents did, even if it is wrong in God’s eyes, or choose to look into this matter once and for all. Why be ignorant? Why hold back? Don’t you want to find out for yourself the shocking truth about Christmas?
Here is the link which will give you all the facts you should know and it is fascinating reading. May God open your eyes to see what is really there and may God give you the ears to hear what He has to say. Once you know what I know you will never be the same again. Just don’t ever say to me “Why didn’t you tell me Christmas is a lie”.
https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/holidays-or-holy-days-does-it-matter-which-days-we-observe