Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Editorial/Opinion

Media Credit: Ryan Dostalek Sports editor Cassy Golburg and photo editor Emily Hartwig face off on the merits of Christmas.

[Editor's note: This is half of the Christmas counterpoint debate, click here for sports editor Cassy Golburg's take on Christmas.]

Yes, I'm one of "those people."

I'm one of those people who began playing Christmas music in November, who decorated her dorm room with lights and left them up all year round, who started shopping the day after Thanksgiving.

I can't help it - I love Christmas!

It's my favorite time of year for many reasons, not the least of which is celebrating Jesus' birth. But putting the religious undertones aside for a moment, let's look at why Christmas is "the most wonderful time of the year."

First, the visual part of the season. I love driving around at night to take in all the decorations. Of course, my eyes glaze over the especially tacky displays, but I love the cozy look of a classy, decorated house.

During the day, a strategically placed bough or wreath brings a much-needed touch of color to the otherwise "blah" landscape that is a Wisconsin winter. And the drab look of an office instantly perks up with the obligatory Christmas decorations. Without Christmas, when would we see all this sparkle and color?

Spending time with family and friends is another benefit of Christmas. It is really the only time of year that my immediate family can get together. And since everyone's parents make them come home for Christmas, it's a safe bet that I can see all my high school friends when I'm at home.

And who doesn't enjoy the traditional gift-giving? It's hard not to get swept up in the buying frenzy. I can never pass up a good sale. With my birthday falling the week before, my parents usually give me one extra-nice present to cover both occasions.

Although it sounds cliché, giving is so much more fulfilling than receiving. I spend weeks finding the perfect gifts for those closest to me. I love seeing their eyes light up when they open my present, since I know it's absolutely perfect. No other time of year offers such an easy excuse for making my loved ones happy.

Now, we can't forget the sounds that come with this holiday. The first hint of Christmas music - in November - is a giveaway that the season is beginning. It's also one of my favorite parts of this time of year. As I'm writing this, actually, I'm listening to my "White Christmas" mix on Pandora. And every time I get in my car, you can bet that I'll have an all-Christmas station playing.

Holiday tunes simply set the tone for Christmas. Who can be crabby while listening to Christmas music? Even if you're with me in thinking "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is a truly creepy song - "He sees you when you're sleeping ... He knows when you're awake" - there are a lot of great pieces out there.

And there is such a variety of styles that I really don't get sick of it - and if I do, I always have church hymns to look forward to.

Which brings me to the biggest reason why I love Christmas - the religious meaning.

Now, you don't have to tell me about the pagan reasoning behind choosing Dec. 25 to celebrate Jesus' birth. I know we're probably not commemorating this day on the exact date he was born. But it's as good a time as any to remember the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

Behind all the commercialism of the holiday - the frantic shopping, the garish advertising and Santa Claus - the true meaning does peek through. I hear it in the Christmas music, which often glorifies Jesus' birth; I feel it in the peaceful mood that sweeps over me when I sit in a beautifully decorated church; I see it in the eyes of my Sunday School children as I teach them Christmas hymns. It's even in the name of the holiday: 'Christ'mas. Whatever your religious beliefs, you can't deny the basic "reason for the season."

There are many aspects of Christmas that aren't necessarily religious. But the holiday itself was originally intended to commemorate the Christ Child. I respect that many people celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday - but for me, I will always see it as a religious time of year.

Between my enthusiasm for decorating, music and shopping, I might be an extreme example, but I'd be hard-pressed to find someone who truly hates every aspect of Christmas. But whether you love or hate this season, Christmas is coming - and you better be ready.

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