As it's that time of year, I would just like to say a few words.
Out of the whole year, the winter festivals - centered around the winter solstice - are probably the most numerous and of the greatest religious importance. Heralding the return of the Sun was a cause for merry-making, dating back to the time when the Sun was directly linked to one's livelihood (moreso than today, at least). Spring meant hunted animals came out of hibernation, and that the majority of crops and plants would start growing again. Moreover, it's a cause for celebration for the mere fact that the harshness and the coldness of winter inhibits survival.
Winter festivals are often marked with items symbolic of light - fire, candles. Hanukkah, the Yule Log, the Advent Wreath are all examples of rituals of this. We've discussed the literal symbolism of these symbols, but light is also a metaphorical symbol, one of hope, of high spirits, and of new beginnings.
The source for hope is obvious - the sun. The sun is of vital importance to our well-being: Vitamin D from sunlight; Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused by low levels of light - bright lights trigger chemicals in the brain so, physiologically, the typical human is benefited from the longer exposure to the Sun in spring. The Sun, of course, is invaluable for photosynthesis. So much depends on the Sun, that it's not surprising at all that our subconscious associates hope with the return of the Sun.
Christmas[1] is the season of giving (symbolic of the gift of God - Jesus - unto mankind). The atmosphere of spending time with family links in with this as well. Gifts, wine, family reunions. All are typically reasons for fervor. Yule has a tradition for families feasting together. Christmas day is easily one of the most global public holidays in the world - the day is also then de facto reserved for rest - a welcome break, I'm sure - such that people can experience pleasure, a separation from anxiety, and a chance to recover their strength.
As for new beginnings, new hope also links in with new beginnings. Moreover, New Year is celebrated a week after Christmas. Most New Years across cultures are celebrated just before spring[2]. The Mesopotamian New Year was celebrated at the vernal equinox, at spring. The winter solstice marks the coming of spring. New life is found.
Especially with our calendars, it is near the time most people make resolutions (for the new year). I think this comes from the promise of new beginnings. All of us, this wintertime, could improve our lives. What have you been neglecting that you know you should have paid attention to? Are you in shape - have you been meaning to go to the gym, or been planning on going on a diet? Have you told yourself that you have an addiction you need to kick? Maybe it's a simple as starting the project you've been meaning to start, whether is be to write your novel, or put up the shed. Yet, I think, for most people, it might be to spend more time for their families.
As I write this, in 2011, there is a global recession, and most families struggle more than usual to just buy a simple gift for their children, some even starving themselves to do so. What an act of love! But, I think, just setting your stresses aside, to spend time with your family, would be a simple act, yet just as beneficial. It would be a sacrifice still, but much more subtle - sacrificing your work and money just for one day, to spend time with your family. So, go, sit with your family, crack a joke or two.
After all, 'tis the season to be jolly.
[1] Yes, I'm aware the 25th December is very unlikely to be the date of Jesus' birth, and that it was placed at that date to help the pagans convert (we'll come back to this at a later date). However, Christmas, and the holiday mood, has so greatly influenced the modern western view on the winter festivals, it would not do to ignore it for such a reason like this. The spirit behind it, rather than accurate horological observations is the important thing.
[2] The big exception to this is Samhain - the Celtic New Year on 1st November. If someone would care to explain the significance of this to me, I'd be very grateful.
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