What happens during Christmas?

Answer 1

The holiday of Christmas has distinct phases, especially if viewed from secular (non-religious) activities. Most people blend religious activities with secular, although many Christians argue that we have lost the "true meaning of Christmas" because there is so much emphasis on secular activities. Note: the "phases" I use here are not official "phases" but generalized categories.

Phase 1

The Christmas season has a distinct "before" phase. Prior to the 1980s, businesses switched to Christmas decor and merchandise after Thanksgiving. But then, businesses have continually pushed back the pre-Christmas phase by putting out holiday items and decorations just after Halloween (Nov. 1st). Since people just finished either enjoying or rejecting the hoopla of Halloween, and being so close to October with Fall leaves still blowing off the trees, it truly feels Christmas keeps getting pushed up earlier and earlier.

Phase 2

Phase 2 used to be in early December, but with the changes businesses made, people can start phase 2 of "pre-Christmas" as early as the end of October-beginning of November. During this phase, more people actually do more window shopping or actual shopping for Christmas presents (one for a relative, plus one for me, it seems).

During phase two, at some point those speaking for Christianity try to remind everyone about the "true meaning of Christmas". After Thanksgiving, churches begin to decorate for Christmas; the manger scene appears on church properties. Families may have already put up their outside decorations, but most wait until after Thanksgiving to light up the outside lights. Decorating may be taking place in the home; however, many families have established traditions to put up the tree at a certain time (date), to decorate the tree on a certain date, etc. Typically by 1 to 2 weeks before Christmas, many have already chosen a tree and put it up.

One aspect of this phase is the "picking out" of a tree. Some families go to tree farms or woods where they pick and cut down the tree themselves. Most people visit lots where vendors have pre-cut trees. There is an entire "event" built around picking the "right" tree, which has many definitions. Most USA persons look for the fullness of a tree and symmentry is very important. But, in other countries, people are happy with thinner, more open branches.

Driving the tree back home is also an event unto itself. Most people still put trees on the roofs of their cars, tied down for safety. This event is so etched in people's memories that just mentioning it can bring forth old images of dad hefting the tree and the precise way he tied the tree.

Phase 3

Phase 3 can be hectic for many people, especially those people (mostly men) who wait to do their shopping. The closer Christmas comes, the insanity increases. People wait for sales; stores are happy to oblige. Online sales soar for hard-to-get toys, as parents try to fulfill little Johnny's and little Sarah's biggest wish. Online sellers make big money in online auctions. Stores sell out quickly. Many are estatic to get just the right item; many others are disappointed by not getting it.

Those persons who aren't so caught up in getting that one toy take a more planned process to gift-giving. Many make lists and stick to them, while far more people overspend or use charge cards that they can't pay come January when the bills start arriving in the mail. Among the more controlled, peace reigns since they kept to their set budgets, bought selectively, and are happily at home with gifts already wrapped.

Again, the Christian voice tries to break through the madness, reminding everyone to "Put Christ back in Christmas" before Christmas passes by without a nod to Christ. Many, many families do prioritize and put Christ at the center of all Christmas festivities. These families disdain the commercialism that has overtaken the holiday.

Many more secular persons / families do start to look at their Church's calendar of activities. Choral groups visit nursing homes. Special programs, plays, and pageants attract audiences. The emotions of Christmas begin to be stronger. People look toward family and most feel pleased about family gatherings, although if estranged many families have no contact during the holidays.

Phase 4

Phase 4 overlaps Phase 3, as more people reconnect with what Christmas means to them (not necessarily focused on Christ; it depends on the person). But people experience longings for togetherness, a sense of giving, enjoyment in receiving, etc.

Christmas carols play on the radio, in stores, and on home stereos. During the shopping phase, possibly billions of people heard "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas at least once per day. Groups become vocal about the debate between saying "Merry Christmas" versus "happy Holidays". Many people feel annoyed by hearing "Happy Holidays". yet, businesses try to be politically correct and try not to alienate customers who do not believe in Christ or in Christmas. Overall, though, many people do get tired of hearing both.

In true Christmas tradition, the emodiment of "Santa Claus" appears in hundreds of men sporting their own or fake white beards and traditional Claus suit. Many holiday workers make a significant portion of their yearly income playing Santa.

On sidewalks, malls, etc. in the USA, bell ringers of the Salvation Army are out in force, tolling everyone to give pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters, or dollars. One man in the southern Midwest of the US has made a personal tradition of depositing a large amount in a bell ringer's bucket. With their distinctive uniforms, the Salvation Army's bell ringers are etched in the memories of almost everyone who grew up in the USA.

FINALLY

Families make their own traditions. Some go to Christmas Eve midnight mass; others stay home and attend church on Christmas Day; others do neither. Some people go see relatives; others stay home. Some families open one gifts on Christmas Eve while others open all --- or none. Some families have strict rules that presents are only opened on Christmas Day.

The outcome is much the same though. People give and receive gifts. Churches and giving people make sure to provide for homeless or poor people. Trees are lit while packages are opened. Waste builds up from wrapping paper and bows. People who have a family meal often overeat on Ham or other special meal fixings. Everyone sighs. People wonder why they overspent; why can't Christmas be simpler?

Some people do not believe in or celebrate this holiday. Some people are too poor or ill to celebrate.