Even before December begins, there were Christmas songs playing on every radio station, trees being bought, families making trips to the grocery stores to stock up, and of course, the Grove’s famous Christmas Lighting event on November 17th at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks. So, what makes Christmas the best holiday when there are Halloween and Thanksgiving before, and New Year’s afterwards?

Christmas is the time of universal happiness. For me, Christmas wraps all the happiness and memories of that year into beautiful packages and gets me ready for the upcoming year. Families, friends, and gifts all gather into one place as food and lights shine on everyone’s happy faces. I spent my last Christmas in Pismo Beach with my family, and it was one of the happiest times of my life. All the year’s stress was gone, and we were enjoying each other’s company and having a good time.

Christmas, although a Christian holiday, is celebrated through various forms throughout the world, and typically consists of a huge meal and the Christmas tree. For Christians, it symbolizes one of the most monumental times in the history of mankind; however, that doesn’t exclude other religions in this time of joy. Though various religions have their own “Christmas,” Christmas time celebrates not only the birthday of Jesus, but also the liveliness of the time period.  In every city all around the world, this is time to be surrounded by our loved ones, to be truly happy.

Christmas is the greatest holiday because it is just more than the lights, food, tree, and the presents on December 25th. W.T. Ellis put it best when he said, “ It is Christmas in the heart that puts the Christmas in the air.”