Christmas, a religious celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, has become a global phenomenon. In popularity, Christmas reigns supreme over other holidays, such as Easter, Saint Patrick’s Day, and even Thanksgiving. Christmas has transformed past its original meaning, now becoming an economic powerhouse, associated with its signature colors of red, green, and white, along with its iconic substances such as candy canes and eggnog.
Santa’s character–although mistaken to be a product of Christianity–is defined entirely by a different idea. A Catholic bishop from Turkey, Saint Nicholas was known to be generous and kind to the people around him, fostering an environment where everybody felt valued. The commercialization itself began in the 19th century when Christmas began to be seen as a chance to generate more revenue for saleskeepers. The salespeople would portray Santa (Saint Nicholas) in their advertisements, typically on a sleigh, passing out presents. Dutch immigrants, when coming to America for job opportunities, also brought the idea of Santa. Specifically, Christmas gained traction when Washington Ervin, a man in New York, wrote stories about Christmas. This, linked with the intentions of the salespeople, led to more people participating. The idea of giving presents on Christmas incentivized customers to buy more goods near Christmas, helping businesses generate revenue.
In our current day, Mariah Carey blasts in every retail store in the nation, becoming the face of Christmas music itself, next to Micheal Buble. The mass change in entertainment correlates with the consumer culture of Christmas. Hallmark movies filled with cheesy stories and mid-tier plots became a staple watch during Christmas time. Meeting Santa at a mall is considered a common occurrence for children today, feeding into the consumer culture of buying to meet their wants. Stores across the world are adorned with bows, ornaments, and Santa hats–none of which relate to the religious origins of Christmas. As of 2024, according to CNN, holiday sales accounted for a grand total of 994.1 billion dollars, with a 4% growth from last year. Companies see Christmas as a way to boost their sales, occasionally creating seasonal items, such as Starbucks’s Christmas drinks, for a limited time only.
While some criticize the commercialization of Christmas for giving in to greed and overshadowing its religious significance, it has become a cornerstone of global culture. Even in areas that don’t follow Christianity, Christmas is valued as a time for people to reminisce with family and friends. This joined culture brings people together.
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