Christmas is for everyone, the more the merrier

In a traditional sense, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of baby Jesus. And, while Christmas is still a religious holiday for Christians, Hallmark has turned it into something different. This Christian holiday is no longer only for followers of Jesus. It has blossomed into a holiday that is fit for everyone regardless of his or her beliefs. It no longer matters whether you were baptized, sanitized or if you haven’t showered in years (though if the last option is the case, I highly recommend you try it soon; you might scare off potential Christmas party invites). Christians, Jews, Muslims, devout atheists and any other religious followers are welcome to celebrate this most perfect of all holidays.We could all use a little more beauty in our lives, and who wouldn’t appreciate the cheery holiday transformation that the world undergoes as your neighbor’s drab-looking house turns into a work of art that could rival an exhibit at LACMA? Suddenly, every street looks magical: strings of lights soften the otherwise harsh looking world. Many yards may even provide temporary refuge to Santa and his reindeer, and if you’re really lucky, you might even get some fake snow. I keep wishing for the real thing, but alas, the last time recordable snow fell in L.A. was about 46 years ago in January 1949. Although, perhaps Santa will work something out this year if we all put that at the top of our wish lists?If holiday scenery isn’t enough to convince you to begin celebrating the best of all Hallmark holidays, take a stroll by a Christmas tree lot. There is no smell better than that of freshly-cut pine trees. Why miss out on the chance to have your house smell like a pine tree? A year without a Christmas tree is not a year I ever wish to live through.If you can’t bring yourself to enjoy the festive change of scenery, perhaps your taste buds can be grateful for the creative and festive holiday drinks that corporate, conglomerate coffee cartels inflict on the unsuspecting. While you might not like every single “new holiday drink,” realize that what some lack in taste, they make up for with an intriguing experience — red velvet hot chocolate sounds and looks a lot better than it tastes. All of these drinks help spread the holiday cheer, and even though some of the flavors have disappointed me in terms of taste, I have yet to be disappointed by a lack of increase in holiday cheer.Christmas is more than just a season —  it’s a style. I have three words for you: ugly christmas sweaters. Don’t be fooled by the name, these sweaters are anything but ugly. While their appearance could be deemed as outlandish, if you give them a second glance, I promise that you will see the beauty in happy snowmen and dancing reindeer. These sweaters bring smiles to both the wearers and anyone who else who sees them. To top it off, they’re soft and cozy. What other holidays have inspired an entire season of fashion, and since when has fashion been comfortable? Yes, Christmas invites us to treat ourselves right, starting with clothing that will hug you back.So this year, I’m asking you to give Christmas and the holiday season a chance, even if you’re not what people may call “the appropriate” faith. I love Christmas because of the snow, festive drinks, sweaters and the gift-giving skills I’ve developed from it. But, I’m not asking everyone to celebrate this Pagan holiday because I’m in love with it. Christmas is so much greater than my love for it — and my love for it is quite large. Christmas is about so much more than being Christian and celebrating Jesus’ birthday. It’s a temporary reprieve; it’s a congratulations for getting through the year; it’s a celebration of love; as cliche and stereotypical as this sounds, Christmas brings warmth to all aspects of life. Simply put, Christmas is happiness, and we could always use more of that, no matter where our religious affiliations lie.