Christmas is when families gather, open presents under the Christmas tree, go to church, and spend time with God and their loved ones. But do you ever wonder what it’s like for those who don’t celebrate Christmas and what their day might look like? Or, What different traditions or holidays take place during Christmas? At least I do because I know what my day looks like as a Muslim—it’s a regular day for me. But perhaps some other students’ non-celebrating days are more fun to them.
I interviewed junior Yousif Salih and seniors Josie Samson and Leah Wine. My selection for this specific article includes three students who don’t celebrate Christmas. Junior Salih is a Muslim, and seniors Samson and Wine are Jewish. I questioned what their Christmas day looks like as individuals who don’t celebrate and if they do anything special on that day.
Wine’s Christmas Day is full of fun and snow! She says, “Since my family and I don’t celebrate Christmas, we usually go skiing! When we’re on vacation, we go out earlier in the morning, and it’s empty, so it makes things better.” When asked if anything special occurs in her routine, she says, “I don’t know if we do anything ‘special’. We just hang as a family and make dinner together; if that doesn’t count as something special, then I don’t know what is.” Wine’s tradition has gained admiration for transforming ordinary days into a special moment with family, showing cultural importance.
Samson’s routine differs slightly from Wine’s but is equally filled with love and excitement. “Christmas day is a normal day for me. I honestly spe
nd time with my family and sisters when they get back home from college. I love the day off and get to do whatever I please because I’m not stressing over something.” Samson’s day off is a relaxing day filled with catching up with her sisters when they return from college.
She loves a no-stressor day.
It’s clear that Christmas Day looks different for everyone but is still filled with love, family, and memorable moments in the making.
To end it off, junior Salih’s day looks a little different compared to both the seniors, whereas all the fun takes place indoors. Salih’s day involves relaxation and family. Salih says, “Christmas f
or me is just an average day since I don’t celebrate. I take the day off to rest and enjoy myself and my family.” Salih loves spending time with his family, even if that means staying in wearing PJs, “it’s the love that counts.” He says, “I never had the wish to celebrate Christmas because it’s not a part of my religion, and my religion is such a big thing for me. But I do love the passion and spirit that comes from Christmas.”
It’s clear that despite your religious background, you can still have a joyful day to spend time with family, watch movies, cook dinner, and so much more. For Samson, Wine, and Salih, Christmas Day doesn’t align with the traditions they miss but rather the adored moments spent with their loved ones, highlighting that connection and celebration may look different for people of different religious backgrounds.
