Growing up, I remember always being excited to dress up in my adorable sweater vest and khaki pants for the 4:30 PM Christmas Eve mass at my church. Together with my parents, siblings, and my grandma, we would all go and remember the reason for the season.
Christmas is more than just opening presents and finding the Elf on the Shelf every morning. It’s a time to reflect both spiritually and faithfully.
My mom would always put out our Advent Wreath after Thanksgiving dinner. An Advent Wreath is a circular wreath with four candles. Representing hope, peace, joy, and love. Three of the candles are purple, while one is pink. Each Sunday of the four Sundays of Advent, a candle would be lit. The pink candle would be lit on the third Sunday of Advent. As Catholics, we would light the first candle on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
I never questioned it, because that’s how I was raised. Attending a Catholic school, I always had the religious aspects of Christmas instilled in me. Christmas is the day Jesus, the son of Christ, was born. I never realized that some families did not celebrate Christmas the same way.
That is why it is so important that we “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Focusing on activities that remind us of the religious meaning of the holiday. Reading the Bible, attending church, setting up a nativity scene, and praying are just a few activities to remember the reason.
“My family and I always attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, as well as put out a nativity scene as a reminder,” said senior Kenzie Gray.
“We always read the story of the birth of Jesus together,” said senior Sammie Ashmore.
Celebrating Christmas is also about celebrating togetherness. It’s a time to put ourselves before others. A selfless time where we forgive and become better versions of ourselves.
“One action that comes to mind is the angel trees. The act of giving is a huge Christian moral, and this is one of the ways you can fulfill that moral while giving to those kids who don’t have much,” said Kenzie.
“Helping those around us is one of the biggest things we can do. With winter weather approaching, helping to shovel sidewalks and driveways is one way we can help out,” said Sammie.
Teaching teenagers about the true meaning of Christmas isn’t easy. Many of those around us are accustomed to their own traditions.
“They can be open to hearing the story of Jesus, attending a church service, or helping others,” said Sammie.
“Attending youth groups to learn more about the reason for the season,” said Kenzie.
Wheeling is home to many faith denominations, but one way teens get involved religiously is through Wheeling Park’s YoungLife. YoungLife introduces teens to Jesus and helps them to grow in their faith.
Don’t forget, as the month goes on, to remember why we celebrate.
