Turkey, a country with Muslim religion as part of their culture as much as Catholicism and Protestantism is a part of the US - has stolen the Christmas tree, the lights, the ornaments, the exchanging of gifts and the Turkey . . . but they do it all on New Year's Eve instead.
I realize Christians have diluted Christmas too - turning pagan traditions into religious ones. In fact we've added so many "traditions" - I guess its not a surprise the meaning has been buried so far under activities. Think about the things we do: the Christmas tree, decorations of lights, holly, tinsel, etc. Santa Claus, stockings, and candy canes. Caroling, singing, special meals, and ginger bread houses. Presents. "Christmas" music that ranges from religious to ridiculous ... (Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer?). The nativity scene that has morphed into an entire Christmas village.
We stopped doing Christmas for a number of years when I was younger, because of its commercialism. Moving here, and seeing all the commercialism of Christmas grates on me because my students think New Year's and Christmas are the same thing. Even Tolga's family is somewhat confused on the topic.
Christmas is just not a tradition here. And when I see it being celebrated far away I miss it - the tinsel, the lights, the wrapping paper and I'd really like to make a ginger bread house. But then I ask myself why - why? What am I missing? It doesn't take much to celebrate Christmas: family, remembering Christ as born to save us all, thankful hearts, love.
Gokhan wants a big Christmas tree for New Year's. I said, "But it's not Christmas!"
I think I've lost some meaning of Christmas.
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