Christmas is the most popular holiday for Christians, celebrated on December 25th, commemorating the birth of Jesus. For many, the celebration is a time to attend church services, exchange gifts, and spend time with family, but the holiday is also a meaningful way to spend time reflecting on one’s faith. The spiritual traditions of the holiday go back centuries and for Christian devotees, spending time in prayer and quiet reflection is integral to their Christmas experience.
One enduring holiday tradition is Christmas caroling. By singing songs expressing Christian faith and devotion, congregants use music to acknowledge Jesus’ birth and celebrate the spirit of the season. These carols often contain stories illustrating Christian faith—scripts on various popular holiday songs often focus on the Three Wise Men journeying to honor the newborn Jesus, the angel Gabriel’s warning to Mary, and other anecdotal tales. Churches sometimes organize caroling groups that wander through neighborhoods singing carols and spreading holiday cheer.
In addition to caroling, many churches also celebrate Santa Muerte, or Holy Death Day. This holiday honors a goddess of death, with followers paying respect to their departed loved ones and relatives. Devotees make offerings to Santa Muerte including food, flowers and mementos, followed by prayers and litanies in her honor. The direct interpretation of “Holy Death” carries spiritual significance in some Christian beliefs, representing an acknowledgment of death as a necessary part of the cycle of life, and inspiring reflection on how the sacrifices of others have shaped our own lives.
Another significant holiday for Christians is Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and typically falls sometime between March 22 and April 25th. Easter Sunday is the most important day for Christian worshipers, who gather together for special services, feasts, and activities. Easter egg hunts and decorating activities are popular ways that families observe the holiday, along with traditional religious events and rituals such as exchanging white lilies and eating hot cross buns – a baked treat consumed during Lent.
The holiday falls shortly after Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer for many Christian denominations. Lent is a somber time for reflection and abstention, with worshipers encouraged to forego certain indulgent activities like alcohol and meat consumption. This practice is directly tied to Christian faith – Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days, and during Lent followers are taking part in a similar pursuit of purity and devotion. Additionally, Christian believers might partake in prayer circles during Lent, and church services on Easter may include flowery hats and elaborate decorations.
Advent
Advent is a holiday season taking place prior to Christmas, lasting four weeks between November 28th and December 25th. During this season, Christians observe and reflect on the days that passed between Isaiah’s prophesy of the coming messiah and Jesus’ birth. This period of anticipation is symbolized in the color purple, symbolizing the end of a long wait and the coming of a new and glorious time. Worshipers often hang an Advent wreath with four purple candles, and each week the family (or church congregation) lights one new candle to signify the passing of time.
The use of Advent calendars is commonplace in many Christian households. Some churches put out an Advent calendar each year, filled with scripture readings and reflection exercises, while others may employ various activities, such as giving out daily treats or keeping a daily journal, as a way to acknowledge and participate in the activities of the season.
Additionally, Advent is known as a time focused on charitable giving. Churches often provide food and clothing drives during this period to aid those in need, while Christian families might donate toys, games, and other gifts to organizations like Toys for Tots, which distributes presents to families in need.
Pentecost
Pentecost is another important Christian holiday, celebrated on the 50th day after Easter, typically in May or early June. Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples, as told in the Acts of the Apostles in the Christian Bible. The holiday is sometimes called Whitsunday, as traditionally Catholics and Anglicans wore white garments to celebrate the holiday.
The holiday is sometimes marked by “tongues of fire” celebrations, featuring lively costumes and sometimes special food or activities specific to the faith. On Pentecost, it is not uncommon for churches to hold annual baptisms, or for worshipers to renew their baptismal vows. Additionally, prayer services focus on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, leading to closer personal sanctification and renewed commitment to spiritual growth.
In some areas, Pentecost is celebrated as a carnival-like holiday, with picnics, bonfires and other games and activities. Where possible, churches may join together in marking Pentecost, each making its own unique contribution to the festivities.
Purim
Purim is a lesser-known holiday in Christianity, celebrated by some as an alternative to traditional Christian observances. Purim is a Jewish holiday, originating from biblical story of Esther, honoring a woman who saved the Jewish people from a genocide plot. Some Christian families have adopted Purim as a way to commemorate Esther’s bravery and to celebrate the rich history and traditions in the Jewish faith.
On Purim, followers read the Bible book of Esther and exchange gifts – typically food and candy – and exchange of food in a form of a mitzvah, or good deed. Songs, dancing and plays may also be used to commemorate the holiday and allow for reflection on Esther’s narrative. Additionally, many Christian families join together with their Jewish counterparts in celebrating Purim and increase understanding and solidarity between the two faiths.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is an important day in Christianity, focused on being thankful for blessings and special moments throughout the year. This holiday falls on the fourth Thursday in November, with worshipers gathering for a special service of gratitude. Prayer services often focus on thanksgiving in the form of an “Adoration of the Lord”, highlighting the power of love and the divine bounty of creation.
Although Thanksgiving has been more secularized in recent years, Christians often integrate religious elements in the holiday by mentioning various passages from the Bible or praying before a big meal. Charitable acts, such as gathering food for donations, and volunteering to help those in need, are also common expressions of gratitude and fellowship on Thanksgiving.
New Year’s Day
The holiday season often culminates in the celebration of the New Year. This is a time of resolution and fresh starts, and many Christian believers opt to begin theNew Year by attending a special church service reflecting on this concept. Service may focus on connecting with the love of God, expanding one’s spiritual vision, and refocusing around a new dedication to the teachings of Jesus.
Families may perform their own acts of devotion in their home or extended circles. Motivational readings from Scripture or from Christian leaders can be shared, or songs celebrating the joy of love and life can be sung together. Emerging from the holiday season with a renewed spiritual commitment is a wonderful way for Christian believers to begin the year.
