Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Why are you decorating for Christmas? You’re Wiccan!


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!

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