Seasonal Celebrations

As Gregorian New Year 2025 nears, there is a festive vibe in the air despite the rather chilly weather. In many countries, seasonal greetings are exchanged well ahead of Christmas Day on December 25th till the New Year’s Day on January 1st. And it is a season in which everyone can join in to celebrate with festive traditions.

As such, there are numerous traditions of Christmas and one of them is decorating a Christmas tree. Celebrators adorn such trees with baubles, lights and a star at the crown of the tree. Presents are wrapped and placed under the tree and opened on the morning of Christmas but the timing varies according to countries. On the eve of Christmas families gather around in a festive spirit for a hearty meal. Then the countdown to the Gregorian New Year begins as people settle in to relax as one year comes to a close and another one begins. 

Unlike Nepal, Western nations have fewer holidays which is why their residents look forward to the seasonal holiday every year in winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Countries like Australia and New Zealand lie in the Southern Hemisphere where people have a summer New Year. Either way, New Year is observed with family, relatives and friends at a time that is of as much cultural importance as a social one. Both culturally and socially, this seasonal holiday is a huge deal in the West as it has been ingrained as a time to not just relax and let one’s hair down but also to connect, reach out and unite in a spirit of shared joy. 

Christianity is the largest religion in the world with as many as 31.6 per cent of the global population identifying themselves as Christians. However, unlike the past few centuries, the 21st century has seen a decline in the belief in religion, not just in the West but also in the East. Yet, some traditions thankfully are still being upheld and it includes the seasonal celebrations every year come December. 

Holidays are meant to be spent in the company of loved ones with fun activities, events and gatherings. Whether it is going to the movies, seeing a show, ice skating, decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping up presents, creating do-it-yourself gift cards, cooking up a sumptuous meal, adorning ginger bread cookies, travelling and so on, holiday traditions in the West are celebrated in a communal and familial unity. It is hard not to cheer up seeing the lights on trees, stores and houses, greeting cards on display in shops, gift ideas on social media, happy faces of shoppers, references to Santa Claus and hearing the jolly holiday songs on the radio.

As New Year approaches, it is also a time to create resolutions whether it is exercising more, eating healthy, curbing social media time, reading more often, and trying to reach out to friends. The overall objective is to be the best person one can be whether it is in relationship, at work or study as New Year can be an occasion for profound self-reflection. And this holiday season is all about joyful greetings and conviviality that anyone is welcome to partake in. Even in Nepal, celebrations are abound this season with a festive essence.