Christmas is finally here and despite the trying times we may be in, people are always in a giving and celebratory spirit this time of the year.
Some may argue that there is so much to celebrate given the unfortunate times, however others may say people are losing perspective getting caught up in commercial expectations imposed on everyone during the holidays.
In this jolly season while merriment and celebrations are around every corner we reached out to a few friendly faces to shares their thoughts on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
We asked them how they prefer to celebrate Christmas and New Years, their thoughts on how these occasions are commercially celebrated and if they thought there are detriments that commercialised celebrations may cause society.
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Dimithri Wijesinghe (Tiktoker/lawyer)
Speaking of the concept of celebrations, Wijesinghe said, “I think it’s really great that regardless of where we’re at right now; inflation, financial crisis etc, Lankans still make time to celebrate things and considering the terrible year we’ve had it’s great that people are getting in the festive mood. I myself don’t celebrate Christmas, rather I don’t do anything myself and just sort of find a more festive friend and attach myself to their plans.”
She believed that the while commercialization and consumerism is at its peak during the holidays, but if it makes people happy then who she to say otherwise. “Although, perhaps as we do purchase things we can maybe try to be a bit environmentally conscious so that we don’t unnecessarily indulge,” she added.
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Saasha Karunarathne (Television presenter/Radio personality)
I'm a homebody so I always want to celebrate Christmas and New Years at home with my family, and my dogs and maybe some home cooked food. She mentioned that she doesn’t mind the commercial celebration of these holidays, “especially with Christmas, it has given us more ways to celebrate, and different places to be.
It's a Capitalist world after all. While there are detriments to commercialised celebrations, she added that, “quite a lot of social and financial inequality leading to heavy emotional and mental stress. It is quite clear. It is a conversation we've had year after year and hopefully will be able to figure out ways to help those that need the help little by little
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Alanki Kishani Perera (Entrepreneur, actress, talk show host)
I like celebrating Christmas “the traditional way” with family and friends. It’s a beautiful season where friends and family can come together to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus.
However, globally they do anticipate the holiday season and even those who are not Christians join in the festive season and cheer. Yes I do believe that Christmas has been commercialised over the years and this may lead to disappointments and challenges for those who cannot afford to celebrate.
Given the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the tough times that the world is facing currently, it is important to remember that Christmas is the season for giving and sharing, especially with the less fortunate in our society.
After all, Lord Jesus has spoken often about loving our neighbour. It is a time to not only celebrate, but also a time to really reflect on the teachings of the Lord. May everyone have a blessed Christmas.
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Chethana Ketagoda (Actress/lawyer)
I’m a Buddhist but I enjoy the Christmas festivities. I have a lot of friends who celebrate Christmas, so I especially enjoy the food they send over. For me, it’s about togetherness.
About New Years, I have done my fair share of New Year parties, but I have stayed home with my family on 31st night for the past couple of years. I think family comes first and I should be with them at the start of everything new.
Sharing her thoughts on commercial celebration she added, “If I say no, it would be a lie. Yes, one could disagree with me on this, but in today’s technologically advanced world, commercialization of celebrations bring together different people from different countries.
It gives more colour to our way of living, it gives us a chance to explore different cultures and religions, it makes everyone celebrate it, despite belonging to different religions. I think indirectly, it gives people a chance to bond.
However, good comes a little bit of bad, so yes, in some ways, there can be detriments. The real reasons behind the celebrations could be undermined. Personally, if I’m celebrating something, id want to know why I celebrate it.
What does it mean, where does it come from, those would give me more joy more understanding. That could be lost. Also, a chance to nurture personal relationships a chance to bond could be lost.”
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Fransisca Mudhanayake (Musician)
I'm not a huge Christmas or New Years person but I appreciate how the holidays make you feel a part of a community. And of course, the food! I'm a musician so this is the busiest time of year for us. I'll be singing on Christmas Day but spending New Year's Eve with friends.
Speaking on the commercialisation of the holiday’s front, I'm biased because if these occasions weren't commercially celebrated there'd be less gigs for me to sing at and I'd be out of a job!
Other than people forgetting the spiritual meaning of the holidays, I don't think there are any negatives to this commercialisation. In the end, it's an opportunity for businesses to make money and for people to celebrate more.
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Mario Ananda (Music artiste)
I believe the real meaning of Christmas comes with Jesus Christ. The message that he wanted to give was the message of love. This love was not comprehended even by most close to him when he was alive, but with his passing people started to understand the power of this love. Love is not limited, you can love your partners, your friends and even your enemies. That is the true spirit of Christmas.
However, the world is covered by products therefore this wonderful message surrounding this holiday has being converted into a commercial spectacle and most wouldn’t mind celebrating even when others may be suffering. However, I believe it is important to understand the true spirit and meaning of the holidays which will help you to be closer to God. Commercialism is driving people away from the true meaning of this celebration. Christmas is used to sell products. We still celebrate while others are suffering.