“Christmas” = Christ’s festival, or a celebration of Christ. It would seem logical to me that for the Christian everyday ought to be Christmas, with special focus on the communion supper when we share remembrance of His sacrifice via a physical representation of Him.
So, that begs the question: If everyday is a celebration of Christ, what’s so special about December 25? If Santa, gift giving, and evergreen trees had never been associated with December 25, how big a deal would it honestly be? It would force those who choose to recognize it as Christmas to celebrate it solely by celebrating Him rather than what money can buy.
I’ve no problem with keeping the “Christ” in “Christmas,” but I do think if we want to live up to “Christmas” it should be an everyday thing. To live a perpetual celebration of Christ is how I desire to live my life, and I don’t think red & green decorations, wreaths, trees, and annual gift exchanges are at all necessary.
Keep in mind, I have no problem with gift giving or fancy (or overtly kitsch) decorations. It bugs me to no end to label such things “Christian” by means of the word “Christmas.” I’d much rather we all call December 25 something less religious lest we be guilty of adding a religious tradition to the Scriptures.
Christmas shouldn’t be a holiday; it should be a lifestyle. Are you living it?