The Morality Of Holidays: Sin Or Celebration?

The Bible does not instruct Christians to celebrate holidays, nor does it prohibit them from doing so. However, many holidays observed in America today are associated with the 'deadly sins' spoken of in the Bible. These include Thanksgiving (gluttony), Christmas (greed), New Year's Eve (lust), Valentine's Day (envy), and Labor Day (sloth). Some Christians choose to refrain from celebrating certain holidays due to their questionable origins, while others have come to terms with the history and use the opportunity to magnify God's name. Ultimately, the celebration of holidays is a matter of personal conscience for Christians.

Gluttony and holidays

Gluttony is often associated with holidays, and it is one of the seven deadly sins. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines gluttony as "excess in eating or drinking; greedy or excessive indulgence". The word comes from the Latin, gluttire, meaning to gulp down. It is about swallowing to the point of extravagance or waste, and it is not about a one-time event but an ongoing, sinful habit.

Holidays are a time when people tend to indulge in food and drink, and this can be seen as a form of gluttony. For example, Thanksgiving is a holiday that is often associated with gluttony, as it typically involves a large meal with family and friends. Similarly, Mardi Gras, also known as "Fat Tuesday", is a holiday where people let themselves go and indulge before the abstinence of Lent.

The consumerism and commercialisation of holidays can also be seen as a form of gluttony. Christmas, for example, has become increasingly commercialised, with a large focus on gift-giving. People often spend a lot of money on presents and may even cut short traditional family gatherings, such as Thanksgiving dinner, to secure deals on Black Friday sales.

While indulging in food and drink during holidays may be enjoyable, it is important to be mindful of the potential for gluttony. As the author Dawn Wilson writes, "I don’t want to be... bringing up intolerable restrictions and spoiling everyone’s buffets. But I also want to remind you that there are good reasons the Bible warns God’s children not to become gluttons."

To counter holiday gluttony, some people may choose to fast or restrict their calories for short periods. This can be done through intermittent fasting or "minifasts", which can provide health benefits and help manage weight. However, it is important to note that scientific evidence on the effectiveness of these practices is still limited.

In conclusion, gluttony is a common theme during holidays, and it can manifest in both excessive eating and drinking, as well as consumerism and commercialisation. While it may be challenging, it is important for individuals to be mindful of their habits and make choices that align with their values and beliefs.

Pagan customs and Christmas

Christmas is a time for commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, a pivotal figure in Christianity. However, many Christmas traditions have their roots in pagan customs.

The term 'pagan' is a catch-all term for anyone from the Romans to the Norse in Scandinavia. As Christianity spread through Europe in the early ADs, missionaries encountered various groups with different beliefs and customs. Many of these customs were rooted in pre-Christian traditions, such as ancient Roman winter solstice celebrations and other pagan rituals. Druids and Celtic traditions, for example, were among the pagan customs adopted by early Christians.

• Gift-giving and Saturnalia: Saturnalia was a pagan holiday honouring the agricultural god Saturn. Romans celebrated by feasting, drinking, exchanging gifts, and rejoicing—much like Christmas today. They exchanged small gifts for good luck, hoping to bring in a bountiful harvest the following year.
• Santa's image and Christmas stockings: The modern image of Santa Claus, with his red fur and white beard, was popularised by Coca-Cola in the 1930s. However, the concept of an old man giving gifts to children dates back to pagan times. St. Nicholas, a generous bishop who lived in the 4th century AD, is known for giving gifts to the poor. Even earlier, Germanic pagan tribes worshipped Odin, an old man with a white beard who rode an 8-legged horse named Sleipnir. Children would fill their boots with carrots and straw and leave them by the chimney for Sleipnir, and Odin would leave presents in return.
• Christmas carolling: The tradition of going door-to-door singing to neighbours originates from the pagan custom of wassailing. Wassailers would roam villages, singing loudly to banish evil spirits and wish good health to those around them. In the 13th century, St. Francis drew inspiration from this tradition and began the custom of Christmas carolling.
• Kissing under the mistletoe: Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant by pagans, including the Romans, Celts, Druids, and Norse. Romans performed fertility rituals under mistletoe to honour the god Saturn. Druids viewed mistletoe as a symbol of peace and joy, and warring enemies would form a truce if they met under mistletoe in a forest.
• Decking the halls with holly: Holly was another sacred plant for pagans, associated with the god Saturn. Romans exchanged holly wreaths as gifts for good luck during Saturnalia. Early Christians, facing persecution, hung holly wreaths to discreetly celebrate Christmas while appearing to observe Saturnalia. As pagan influence waned, holly became a symbol of Christmas.
• Christmas tree decorating: During Saturnalia, Romans hung small metal ornaments on trees outside their homes, representing gods or their family's patron saint. Similarly, early Germanic tribes decorated trees with fruits and candles to honour Odin during the winter solstice.

These Christmas traditions, though rooted in pagan customs, have evolved and taken on new meanings over time. They showcase the fascinating blend of secular and religious practices, reflecting the influence of ancient customs on modern celebrations.

Pride and holidays

Holidays are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, and there is no command or prohibition for Christians to observe them. However, the choice to celebrate holidays or not is a matter of personal conscience for Christians. While some holidays may be more overtly compatible with Christian beliefs than others, the Bible does not consider them sinful.

Pride, in the context of the seven deadly sins, is described as having "a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority". Interestingly, Independence Day and other patriotic holidays are associated with this kind of pride.

On the other hand, Pride, in the context of the LGBTQ+ community, takes on a different meaning. Pride Month, celebrated in June, commemorates the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal event in the gay rights movement. It also marks the month that same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States. Throughout the year, various LGBTQ+ awareness days, weeks, and months are observed, such as Transgender Day of Visibility, Lesbian Visibility Day, and National LGBT History Month. These observances aim to celebrate the achievements and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, promote awareness, and foster acceptance.

While the concept of "sin" may be interpreted differently across various religious and cultural contexts, it is essential to respect the diversity of beliefs and the right of individuals to celebrate or abstain from holidays according to their own values and conscience.

Lust and holidays

Holidays are often associated with leisure, pleasure, and romance. This association with pleasure and romance can lead to situations that evoke feelings of lust. For example, Valentine's Day, a holiday marketed towards couples, is associated with lust. The holiday's origins are rooted in the Lupercalia, a Roman festival that encouraged young people to indulge in sexual acts.

The major holidays observed in America today have a direct correlation with the seven deadly sins, one of which is lust. Valentine's Day, as mentioned previously, is associated with lust, as are Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day.

The holiday season can also evoke feelings of lust through the marketing of products. For example, lingerie retailers market red lingerie for Valentine's Day, and the holiday season is often associated with romantic movies and music.

Additionally, the liminal experience of holidays can create a tension between disinhibition and relationship acceleration, leading to what is known as "liquid lust." This phenomenon is particularly evident in young men who are initiating relationships while on holiday.

It is important to note that the association between holidays and lust can vary depending on cultural and religious contexts. For instance, in Catholicism, lust is considered a disordered desire for sexual pleasure, separated from God's love. In Islam, lust is viewed as one of the primitive states of the self, and Muslims are encouraged to overcome their baser instincts and avoid intentional lascivious glances and thoughts.

In conclusion, while holidays can evoke feelings of lust through their associations with pleasure, romance, and disinhibition, it is essential to consider cultural and religious perspectives that may influence the perception and expression of lust.

Envy and holidays

Holidays are meant to be a time of celebration, relaxation, and joy. However, it is not uncommon for feelings of envy to creep in and cast a shadow over this festive season. Envy can arise from various triggers, such as social media posts depicting seemingly perfect holidays, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), or comparing ourselves to others.

Social Media Envy

The pressure to have the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is intense, and social media platforms like Instagram often showcase carefully curated holiday moments that can make us feel inadequate. It is important to remember that what we see on social media is often not an accurate representation of reality. People tend to share only the highlights, and it can be easy to forget that even those we perceive as "having more fun" or "living the perfect life" likely have their own struggles and insecurities.

FOMO and Holiday Envy

FOMO is a common phenomenon, especially during the holidays, as we worry about missing out on the perfect celebration or gathering. This fear can lead to feelings of envy when we see others enjoying themselves or participating in activities we wish we could be a part of. It is important to remember that everyone's holiday experience is unique, and what works for others may not be what we truly want or need.

Comparison and Envy

Comparing ourselves to others is a natural tendency, but it can quickly lead to feelings of envy and dissatisfaction. We may start to focus on what we perceive as lacking in our own lives, whether it's material possessions, social status, or even the quality of our relationships. It is crucial to shift our mindset and recognize the blessings in our own lives, cultivating gratitude for what we have instead of coveting what others possess.

Overcoming Holiday Envy

So, how can we combat holiday envy and ensure that we enjoy this festive season to the fullest? Here are some strategies:

• Gratitude: Instead of focusing on what we think we are missing out on, let's take a moment to be grateful for the blessings in our lives. Write down the things you are thankful for, big or small, and reflect on them often.
• Meditation: Directing our thoughts towards something worthwhile, such as the birth of Jesus Christ, can help us shift our focus away from comparison and envy. Meditating on Christ's love and gospel of peace can bring true meaning to the season.
• Doing What You Enjoy: Instead of comparing yourself to others, do the things you love with the people you cherish. Whether it's sledding, watching movies, or enjoying a cozy night in, fill your holidays with activities that bring you joy and create meaningful memories.
• Encouraging Others: When you find yourself feeling envious of someone, try offering them a sincere compliment or encouragement. By focusing on their positive attributes and getting to know them better, you may find that your feelings of envy transform into admiration and genuine connection.
• Unplug from Social Media: Taking a break from social media can be liberating. Step away from the constant stream of carefully curated holiday posts and give yourself the chance to be fully present and create your own special moments with loved ones.

By implementing these strategies, you can overcome holiday envy and cultivate a mindset of gratitude, joy, and peace during this festive season. Remember, the holidays are about more than perfection or comparison; they are about hope, light, and creating meaningful moments with those we hold dear.

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