Christmas decorations
The Significance Of Christmas Decorations
The significance of Christmas decorations stems from the holiday of Christmas which initially was intended to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. Over the years, however, the celebration of Christmas has taken on different meanings to incorporate beliefs from many different cultures. Each culture celebrates Christmas based on how the story of the birth of Jesus was presented in their country. Some celebrate Christmas with no reference to Jesus' birth at all.
Decorations begin to be seen immediately after Thanksgiving. The stores manage to transform their display cases and aisles of merchandise seemingly overnight, to usher in the light and merry feelings that are generated during the holiday season. And, generally as quickly as the decorations appeared, they disappear overnight, when Christmas day becomes the day after.
The Western world celebrates Christmas with a display of colorful lights, Christmas trees and brightly colored ornaments. There may be tinsel and garland or strings of popcorn draped around a star or angel topped Christmas tree.
You might also find candy canes, evergreen wreaths, holly, and mistletoe as well as snow men, reindeer and elves. Of course, there is Santa Claus, who has been give a prominent place in the festivities of the holiday season. Modern day celebrants have also incorporated cartoon characters such as Winnie the Pooh and Snow White, to add their presence to represent the varying viewpoints concerning this sacred holiday.
The nativity scene depicting the baby Jesus, mother Mary and father Joseph surrounded by animals and wise men brings focus to the intent of the holiday, but not everyone acknowledges this as the pinnacle or the reason for the season.
The decorations take on the characteristics of the families or persons who wish to participate in the holiday by displaying their interpretation of its meaning to them. There are decorations that may have been handed down from generation to generation, including some cherished hand-made items of distinct quality and beauty. When you see these, you can sense a deep reverence for the spiritual aspect of the holiday.
Other decorations can be lavish, showy displays that speak to the owner's affluence and attitude of self importance. Sometimes such displays lack warmth because the focus is really on the showiness of a person's station in life rather than a demonstration of love for their fellow man. These displays often are highlighted as a "must see" and become a tourist attraction of sorts, where others can come by and "ooh and ahh."
Christmas decorations have become a part of the world's way of acknowledging that the Christmas holiday is significant, in that they unite the minds and hearts of men for an extended, though short, period of time. During this time we are able to reflect and think beyond ourselves and recognize the oneness that we all share as human beings. The decorations are a unifying mechanism that regardless of the culture, have universal recognition which further unites us as one race, the human race. It would really be great if everyone could come to a universal understanding and accept what it is they are actually celebrating.
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