Community Celebrations: Christmas
Christmas: A Season of Hope and Generosity
Perhaps the most well-known winter holiday in our community, Christmas has parallel and intertwined meanings in today’s society. A celebration of winter, family, and togetherness, Christmas also is considered to mark the birth of the Christian prophet, Jesus. Families celebrate the holiday in different ways, with many decorating their homes inside and out, exchanging gifts, and gathering together on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Christmas has a long and varied history and is often seen as celebrated in conjunction with the Winter Solstice, though some argue that, rather than being established in alignment with the winter festival celebrating the return of the sun, Jesus' birth date of December 25 came from what would have been Jesus' conception date in late March leading to his birth nine months later in late December.
Many families today hold celebrations outside the religious aspects of the holiday, decorating fir trees in their homes and exchanging gifts with each other, and celebrating the mythical figure, Santa, who brings gifts to children in their homes.
Schools, town offices, and Buzz HQ are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Recommended Reading and Resources
This list of resources will continue to grow as community members share insights and recommendations. For suggestions, please send an email to hello@burlington.buzz.
Read more about the history and traditions of Christmas at Britannica.
There are almost too many Christmas books, movies, and stories to even begin a list, but here are a few the Buzz loves:
Books
A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future in an effort to help him realize what's really important in life. Hint: It's not money! In fact, Dickens originally conceived of this as an anti-capitalism pamphlet.
The Nutcracker, by E.T.A. Hoffman and captured by Tchaikovsky's ballet, tells of a fantastical world of a nutcracker come to life on Christmas Eve. Of course, you can also go see the performance at the Boston Ballet every Christmas season.
Movies
Spirited, starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Farrell, is a modern take on A Christmas Carol, in which Farrell's character tries to save the un-redeemable character played by Reynolds.
Daddy's Home 2, also starring Will Farrell, alongside Mark Wahlberg, is a fun family film about blended families celebrating together - and how it's easier said than done.
A Christmas Story is a classic film filled with antics and humor.
Red One, new this Christmas, stars Duane Johnson and Chris Evans, with J.K. Simmons at Santa. The film peeks into the mythical underworld after Santa is kidnapped and the folks on the naughty list begin to disappear.
What's your recommendation for media to learn more about the Christmas season? Let us know at hello@burlington.buzz.
