Christmas is fast approaching - normally a time of excitement, fun, and family. For the second year in a row though, the shadow of Covid-19 will be hanging over the festivities. As this post is being written, cases are soaring as the Omicron variant spreads across the UK. Families are facing renewed uncertainty as to whether they’ll be able to see each other during the holidays, due to positive tests and periods of isolation. People are asking, ‘Will Christmas be cancelled?’

That got us thinking, here at My Story In Words, about why Christmas is so special for so many people and why it matters whether it is ‘cancelled’ or not.

Of course, for Christians, it is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and all its associated stories. This has been the case since the 9th century and those special services are still held around the world. But Christmas has come to mean so much for people beyond the realms of Christianity. Since the turn of the 20th century, the secular side of Christmas, with Santa Claus and gift-giving, has grown and grown. So is that what makes Christmas special?

The cynics amongst you might say ‘yes!’, that Christmas has become a representation of the worst of consumerism, a gaudy mishmash of lights, repetitive music, and ‘spend, spend, spend’, and we are all in its thrall. And you’d have a point! When you see Christmas adverts in October it’s hard not to think the original, or even the secondary, message of Christmas might have been diluted somewhat. Interestingly, some of our authors remember when the holiday fun started on December 25th, the traditional beginning of the twelve days of Christmas. It’s hard to imagine that now when we seem locked in a ceaseless cycle of build-up to the big day.

Despite the unavoidable influence of shopping, it isn’t, or shouldn’t be, what makes Christmas special. Remember the old saying, ‘It’s the giving, not the receiving, that matters’? Well, really it’s neither. Or maybe it’s both. The important thing at Christmas, the reason everyone cares so much, is connecting. And giving presents is just one of the ways that we do that.

There is no other period in our lives where so much emphasis is placed on spending quality time with family and friends. Naturally, there are the usual grumbles about just how much time the in-laws will be around for but, in reality, the vast majority of us really look forward to it. The joy of seeing happy faces, the highs and lows of attempting new games with everyone, the sharing of food, delicious or otherwise. These are all valuable moments of connection. These are the moments that were missed last year and will be again this time around.

The pandemic already highlighted the importance of connection. It’s what started My Story In Words. Whatever your situation this Christmas, make sure to connect with the people you love.