I've been asked this a couple of times, and in different
ways. I wasn't born into Wicca; I found the path in my early college years. I
was raised Catholic, celebrated Christmas with my family, knew that the holiday
was about the birth of Jesus and celebrated it. As I got older I noticed
things I hadn't noticed before like the odd candle holder for 8 Candles (the menorah)
and the blue and silver decorations that took all of 2 shelves at the department
stores or Wal-Mart for the Jewish families. Just to Clarify, I grew up in the
Bible belt, so we didn't have a heavy Jewish Community, so the holiday items and
decorations for Hanukkah weren't always on the shelves. All I knew was Christmas, Christmas
Carols, Hot Cocoa, Stockings, Christmas tree, Ornaments, Decorating, Santa,
Reindeer, TV Shows, & most important PRESENTS!! As a kid it was the
anticipation and Thrill of receiving them, it wasn't until I got older I found
the joy in Giving them!
I rent and don’t usually decorate the house, or my room for
the holidays. The most that is put up is a wreath on the outside door. I do my
decorating at work, which is a Catholic hospital. My co-workers know I’m
Wiccan, and most have asked all the typical questions. So when Christmas comes
around, the newer people are the ones asking “Why are you decorating for
Christmas? you’re Wiccan!” I tell them this: I decorate because it makes me
smile. I do not celebrate the Religious Holiday of Christmas, but I Celebrate
the Commercial Christmas. The gift giving, the decorating, the Joy this season
has always brought. I decorate so the patients can enjoy it and smile, it also
makes me smile when I hear them say “oh that’s cute” It’s my Gift to them so
they have something cheerful to look at while they are transported to another
department or just getting exercise in the hallways. It also helps my
Co-workers and other Hospital employees when they come through our floor keep
their spirits up when they are having a rough day or one that is taxing their
patience.
Why are you decorating for Christmas? You’re Wiccan!
In short, I’m decorating for everyone!
