Christmas: The holiday that reunites what the year had set apart

According to Britannica, the atheist definition of Christmas is “a secular family holiday observed around late December that focuses on traditions … emphasizing themes of generosity and goodwill.” In other words, it is a time to spread love and compassion. However, what if we mistake this time as an excuse for reuniting,ignoring conflicts, and pretending to care? Every year friends and families get together along decorated houses and exchange gifts, acting like everything is perfect for a single day. Nevertheless, when the date ends and a new year begins, this warmth disappears. Either way, love, empathy, compassion, and connection shouldn't have an expiration date. 

Throughout the year, we are separated from the ones we love (or the ones we should love) by different reasons, which sometimes includes routines, lack of respect, and our own pride. This creates a barrier of distance to be "solved in December", and makes us pretend that a single day of reunion can fix what a year of silence and conflicts built. Yearly, on this day, we spent time together, smiling and acting like nothing had ever happened. As a result, when Christmas spirit vanishes, so does the ongoing affection, as everything returns to the same empty routine and returns to the same old impasse. That is why love should not depend on a holiday or any other specific date, and instead, be about choices that we make daily; even if we don't want to, even when it's hard. 

On the other hand, we may think we don't rely on Christmas to show passion and care, and even if we do, what is wrong about it? Christmas is the perfect time to break battles and cherish sweet moments, enjoying the company of people we don't usually see, talk, or spend time with. Afterall, all of us experience family conflicts, and while reuniting during this holiday, we put aside everything that happens and, for one single day, pretend things are ok; even when they are not. This shows the powerful magic of Christmas, that makes us happy and helps us reconnect with bounds that were once very important. Certainly, that is a positive point of Christmas, as it is the ideal occasion to set everything apart, enjoy the moment, care and be compassionate not only about our family, but also with the ones who need and mainly with the ones we don't want to. Partially, that is correct, since true love comes from maturity, when we learn to show kindness no matter who and what, and even to those who hurt us and affect our lives. However, if we think about it rationally, the theory of caring, helping, and loving everyone is awesome. Therefore, should we only put this idea in practice when it's Christmas? In case you were wondering, the answer is: Definitely not! 

Furthermore, we can't be tied to a holiday or any other occasion to be kind and express feelings, meaning we need to stop counting on a specific time to show what we feel. As stated before, we should show warmth and love no matter what, how, and why. While following the belief that pretending everything is fine when it isn't is overwhelming and sometimes painful,  Christmas proves that is possible, emphasizing how it is a meaningful celebration. Regardless, it also highlights that maybe if we demonstrate acts of kindness throughout the whole year, loving would be simpler and easier, just like it has to be. 

In summary, recognizing that Christmas is a perfect date to celebrate gestures of kindness and empathy, love should be part of our everyday routines. Depending on a particular moment to express acts that structure ours and other people’s well beings is just going to make loving more complex. Basically, don't pull off until Christmas what you can do today!