Where Did Christmas Go? A Reflection on the Evolution of Our Traditions
Amidst this consumerist frenzy, it’s easy to wonder: Are we losing sight of the true meaning of Christmas?
The Christmas We Remember: Posadas, Candy, and Faith
If we close our eyes for a moment, we can remember the Christmas of our childhood. Do you remember the posadas? They were nine exact appointments, starting on December 16th and culminating on the 24th, following the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph.
- Back then, the value did not lie in luxury, but in simplicity:
- The Community: Neighbors and family members offering modest dinners.
- The Flavor: Baskets of colaciones (those traditional hard candies that many children today no longer recognize).
- The Tradition: Clay piñatas filled with seasonal fruit, sugar cane, and oranges.
- The Ritual: The Nativity scene was the heart of the home, waiting patiently until midnight to "cradle" the Baby Jesus before starting the celebration dinner.
Traditions in Metamorphosis: The Art of Renewal
Today, the landscape has changed. Posadas are now often synonymous with office parties or social gatherings without the background of the pilgrimage. Christmas dinner rarely waits until the early hours of the 25th; it now happens on the evening of the 24th, and for many, the ritual of cradling the Baby Jesus has been forgotten.
Does this mean that Christmas today is "worse"? Not necessarily. There is a maxim that says: "Adapt or die."
Just as we phase out old processes to make room for the new—like moving from paper to digital to be more efficient—our customs also undergo a necessary metamorphosis for their survival. In a fast-paced world with different economic realities, newer generations have rescued the "core" of the celebration: unity, teamwork, and the value of family.
The New Flavor of Nostalgia
Christmas has not disappeared; it has simply transformed. New meanings have been created for old events, adapting them to a more modern pace of life. Although the symbols change, the engine remains the same: encouraging good wishes and empathy.
As the composer Gustav Mahler famously said:
"Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire."
To me, Christmas is not trapped in history books or 1980s photographs. The "fire" of Christmas is found in every genuine smile we share with friends and family, in every bite of food we offer from the heart, and in the intention behind every gift.
Christmas is in our hearts, not just in the symbols of the past.
What do you think?
Which tradition from your childhood do you miss the most? How are you keeping the "fire" of Christmas alive in your home this year? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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