Xmas vs. CHRISTmas
I've recently been reading on the seasonal debate between using Xmas vs. Christmas. I never really thought about it as a real issue, but after reading about the discussion I've found the topic quite interesting. Although most people know that many Christians see "Xmas" as a way of taking Christ out of Christmas, there is another perspective.
Christians for Xmas say:
The title “Christ,” or more accurately “Christos,” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” And in Greek, the first letter in the word “Christos” is “X”? (pronounced “chi” with a “k” sound). It was in Europe during the 1500s that Christians began to use “X” to refer to “Christ” in the word “Christmas.” Likewise, you may have even seen an ancient Christian symbol of what looks like a capital ”P” overlayed by an “X.” It’s called the Chi Rho, which are the first two Greek letters in the title, “Christos.”
Christians for Xmas say:
The title “Christ,” or more accurately “Christos,” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” And in Greek, the first letter in the word “Christos” is “X”? (pronounced “chi” with a “k” sound). It was in Europe during the 1500s that Christians began to use “X” to refer to “Christ” in the word “Christmas.” Likewise, you may have even seen an ancient Christian symbol of what looks like a capital ”P” overlayed by an “X.” It’s called the Chi Rho, which are the first two Greek letters in the title, “Christos.”My thoughts (cause you know I have some):
Most people are not claiming to write Xmas, because of the reasons above - they blame it on "laziness," which I completely understand, but then I question why aren't there abbreviations for Halloween? Valentines Day? Thanksgiving?
As far as I am concerned, I celebrate Christmas as the Lord's birthday (although we know He was not born in December). I celebrate the family, friends, and the blessings that He has blessed me with. Therefore in writing and verbally, I want to make it as clear as possible - who's birthday it is and that this is a season of celebrating the most important figure in my life and the blessings He has provided me!
To be completely honest, I was just telling Mike that I am yearning for a more simplistic return to the true celebration of Christmas. Like, really getting back to the nitty gritty:
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As far as I am concerned, I celebrate Christmas as the Lord's birthday (although we know He was not born in December). I celebrate the family, friends, and the blessings that He has blessed me with. Therefore in writing and verbally, I want to make it as clear as possible - who's birthday it is and that this is a season of celebrating the most important figure in my life and the blessings He has provided me!
To be completely honest, I was just telling Mike that I am yearning for a more simplistic return to the true celebration of Christmas. Like, really getting back to the nitty gritty:
- Upping the service-anty
- Creating less seasonal chaos and stress
- Creating Christmas crafts, cards, and decorations (I'm still not as good using the sewing machine as I am sowing by hand)
- Taking time to perfect Christmas recipes and delicious seasonal dishes. I know this isn't Shelby's Menu, but I created a Christmas pasta that brings together seasonal flavors perfectly. And Mike is experimenting with a Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate and the Perfect Eggnog recipe. Not to mention CheekSweets seasonal gift boxes :)
- Watching Christmas movies (It's a Wonderful Life was fantastic)
- Attending Christmas programs (NutCracker yesterday was to die for)
- Reading more about the birth of Jesus and Christian Christmas Books (Engaging Father Christmas)
- I've also been saying "Merry Christmas" more and more, which people seem to find really refreshing.
- And one cannot forget Christmas music on rotation 24/7
