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Ever since mankind learned how to party, we have been chasing that perfect New Year’s Eve celebration. I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but that perfect New Year’s Eve party that you’ve been looking for every year is a myth. There is no such thing as a universally perfect New Year’s celebration. It is only as perfect and memorable as you want it to be. So stop chasing the white rabbit down the hole and start thinking about what is important to you as the New Year comes along.

I understand no longer “being a couple” during the holidays can bring out my unwanted friends of loneliness and depression. I quickly acknowledge how I feel, then put on my “big girl panties” and plan how to cope with the season, its parties, family gift exchanges and old traditions. I tell myself it wont be the way it used to be – but it can be better!

A large part of the Christmas season centers around the tradition of “Santa Claus”. However, many question whether or not Christians should take part in this tradition. As Christians, we believe that Christmas is meant as a celebration of the birth of Christ and as a reminder that Christ was a gift from God to all who will accept Him.

Songs declare it as the “hap-, happiest time of the year.” How is it, then, that peace and joy can be so elusive during the Christmas season? We exhaust ourselves and our resources decorating, planning, partying, shopping, wrapping, and maintaining traditions all in the name of celebrating Christ. Is Christmas really Christian? How do its origins in pagan sun worship challenge Christian participation? How can Christians rectify the madness of holiday making with the celebration of the Savior? Transparent and challenging, this article offers scriptures and practical application for celebrating Jesus every day.

Should we try to bridge different cultures and traditions? Are we too different to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas together?