Holiday Joy, Cultural Tension

As a Chinese-American, I often feel left out during the holiday season. Christmas is many people’s favorite holiday and the one they look forward to the most. However, as a Buddhist, my family did not celebrate Christmas. When I would come back from winter breaks as a child, all my friends would be immersed in conversations about the gifts they received, while I listened from the sidelines, unable to chime in.

My house during the holidays would look the same as usual. In a neighborhood full of bright lights, my house would be the only one that remained undecorated. Not celebrating Christmas as a child wasn’t the end of the world for me. I just never found the holiday to be particularly special. To me, waking up on Christmas Day felt no different from waking up on any other day. Even now, as an adult, I still feel the same way.

Despite this, I still enjoyed the holiday season itself, the colorful lights, the festive music, and the sense of warmth that filled the winter air. Although I did not celebrate in the same way as those around me, I still loved seeing my neighbors decorate their houses and embrace the festive spirit. As a child, I always had a smile on my face and looked forward to the winter weather. To me, the holiday season was never just about Christmas. Instead, it was a time to be around the people you care about and to find joy in sharing their company.

To those reading, whether you celebrate or not, I wish you a happy holiday season. I hope you are able to enjoy this time off and find moments to rest. Regardless of cultural background, the holidays can serve as a reminder to slow down, reflect, and relax.