Stop the WOKE: Reclaiming the True Christmas Spirit (with a Hint of Aussie Charm)
Ah, Christmas. The season of joy, giving, and, apparently, endless debates on what it means to “celebrate”. These days, it feels like the festive spirit is under siege—caught in the crossfire of woke ideologies, cultural reinterpretations, and a societal shift towards overthinking traditions. Take one scroll through social media, and you’ll see it: “Do I even need a tree?” or “Should we call it a holiday season instead?” Let’s cut to the chase: Christmas is as alive and meaningful as you choose to make it. And in our house? We’re keeping it alive, well, and unapologetically festive.
No more of the “we can’t say Merry Christmas” or not watching Love Actually on repeat. All the snivelling snowflakes coming for our Christmas traditions? Well, not this year and not in my house. Enough is enough. Every year around this time, out they come—a chance to voice themselves, their woke, and feel important. The “Christmas is banned” brigade’s annual outing. Just a reminder: no one cares if you say “Merry Christmas.”
A Tree is Not Just a Tree
Let’s start with the big question: why bother with a Christmas tree? Isn’t it just a symbol of outdated consumerism? Let me stop you right there. The tree is the heart of Christmas, and, no, it doesn’t matter what your religion is. Whether you celebrate the birth of Jesus, a secular Santa Claus version, or simply the beauty of gathering as a family, the tree is your centrepiece. It’s where kids’ eyes light up on Christmas morning, where carefully wrapped presents wait patiently, and where everyone—yes, even your dog—poses for the yearly family photo.
Here in Australia, our trees might be adorned with baubles alongside eucalyptus leaves, or lit up while we swelter through 35-degree weather, but they’re ours. They represent continuity in a world where too much is fleeting. Ditching the tree because “times have changed” is like saying we don’t need Vegemite anymore. Some things are too sacred to let go.
The Woke Paradox: Loving the Season, Denying Its Roots
Now, let’s talk about the irony. Some of us are happy to roll our eyes at the idea of celebrating the birth of Jesus but are first in line to pay $20 for a photo of our kids on the lap of a random bloke dressed as Santa. Newsflash: Santa Claus didn’t emerge out of thin air; his origins are steeped in old St. Nicholas traditions—yep, that’s a Christian connection right there.
And here’s another head-scratcher: If you’re so eager to skip the “Christian” part of Christmas, why are you so keen to take the public holiday? You know, the one stemming from—wait for it—Jesus’ birth. Don’t tell me you’re sending your kid to a Catholic private school while claiming you “don’t do religion.” It’s the ultimate contradiction, and frankly, it’s exhausting to watch.
No more of the “we can’t say Merry Christmas” nonsense. Let’s stop pretending that being inclusive means erasing the essence of what makes this season special. And while we’re at it, stop dragging down traditions that have been bringing joy for generations. If you don’t want a tree, fine. But leave mine alone.
Keeping the Spirit Alive in Our Home
In our house, we’ve struck the perfect balance. We go to church every year to remind ourselves of the deeper meaning behind Christmas, in fact my husband goes every week, but we also embrace the festive flair—tree, carols, Christmas crackers, and all. We’re not here to guilt anyone into doing the same, but here’s the thing: don’t let societal pressure strip you of what makes Christmas magical. It’s not about spending hundreds on matching pajamas or Instagram-perfect decorations; it’s about traditions that anchor us in joy and gratitude.
Whether it’s baking pavlovas with the kids, decorating the tree with ornaments collected over decades, or belting out Mariah Carey and wham Christmas hits, we choose to make the season meaningful. Not because it’s trendy, but because it connects us to something bigger than ourselves—faith, family, and a little sprinkle of magic.
The Aussie Twist on Christmas Traditions
Here in Australia, we’ve mastered the art of making Christmas our own. Sure, we might not have snow or roaring fireplaces, but we’ve got sun-drenched BBQs, prawns on the barbie, and backyard cricket. Our traditions are a perfect blend of global influences and local flavours. And yes, that includes celebrating the birth of Jesus while enjoying a cold beer in a Santa hat.
A uniquely Aussie Christmas also means being flexible. Don’t want to eat a hot roast in the middle of summer? No worries—seafood platters and mango salads are just as festive. Decorating your home doesn’t have to involve imported plastic snowflakes; eucalyptus wreaths and native flora are stunning alternatives. The key is not to erase traditions but to adapt them to fit your life and climate.
The Real Meaning of Christmas: It’s in the Details
At its core, Christmas is about connection. It’s the one time of year we actively carve out time for the people we love, even if it involves heated debates over board games or awkward encounters with that one weird cousin. It’s about reflecting on the year that was, offering kindness to those less fortunate, and finding moments of peace amidst the chaos.
Yes, the birth of Jesus is the reason for the season, and even if that doesn’t resonate with you, the message behind it—hope, love, and unity—is universal. Don’t let commercialism or the fear of being “too traditional” rob you of these values. Celebrate however you choose, but do it with intention and a big dose of gratitude.
And if you’re tempted to chime in with, “Why do we need Christmas trees anyway?” or “I won’t say Merry Christmas because it’s not inclusive,” here’s a gentle reminder: No one asked. Enough with the annual outing of the “Christmas is banned” brigade.
So, Stop the Woke—Keep Christmas Real
This Christmas, let’s stop overanalysing and start celebrating. Put up the tree, belt out some carols, and, if it feels right, head to church. Traditions don’t have to feel forced or outdated; they’re what you make them. If you’re tired of the woke brigade trying to deconstruct every part of the season, you’re not alone. Christmas isn’t just a day off work—it’s a lifeline in a world that sometimes feels too rushed and too divided.
So, this year, let’s keep the tree, the carols, and the spirit alive. Let’s embrace the weird mix of old and new that makes Christmas in Australia so special. And most importantly, let’s take a moment to appreciate the love and connection that make this season worth celebrating. Woke or not, we could all use a little more of that.
