5 Ways Cs Lewis Celebrated Christmas

Christmas is a time for celebration, reflection, and joy. For many Christians, it's a special time to connect with family, friends, and their faith. C.S. Lewis, a renowned author and theologian, was no exception. Although he didn't write much about his personal Christmas celebrations, we can gather insights from his letters, books, and biographies. In this article, we'll explore five ways C.S. Lewis likely celebrated Christmas, shedding light on his values, traditions, and love for the holiday season.

1. Embracing Tradition and Rituals

C.S. Lewis was a man of tradition and ritual. He believed that these practices helped connect us to our past, our community, and our faith. Christmas, with its rich history and symbolism, was likely a time for Lewis to engage in meaningful rituals and traditions. He might have attended special church services, sung carols, and participated in festive meals with family and friends.

Lewis's love for tradition is evident in his writing. In his book "Mere Christianity," he argues that rituals and traditions are essential to our spiritual lives, as they help us connect with the divine and with each other. For Lewis, Christmas was probably a time to reaffirm these values and engage in activities that brought him closer to God and his loved ones.

His Favorite Christmas Traditions

While we don't know the specifics of Lewis's Christmas traditions, it's likely that he enjoyed activities like:

• Attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve
• Singing carols by the fireplace
• Exchanging gifts with family and friends
• Enjoying traditional Christmas foods, such as plum pudding and mince pies
• Reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' or other festive literature

2. Focusing on the True Meaning of Christmas

As a devout Christian, C.S. Lewis believed that Christmas was a time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. For him, Christmas was not just a time for festivities and gift-giving, but a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the values he represented. Lewis likely emphasized the importance of compassion, kindness, and generosity during the Christmas season.

In his writings, Lewis often explored the intersection of faith and culture. He believed that Christmas, with its emphasis on love, giving, and redemption, offered a unique opportunity to share the message of Christianity with others. For Lewis, Christmas was a time to focus on the spiritual significance of the holiday, rather than just its commercial or social aspects.

His Thoughts on the Commercialization of Christmas

Lewis was known to be critical of the commercialization of Christmas. In his essay "What Christmas Means to Me," he writes:

"The idea that Christmas is a time for indulging in unnecessary and often harmful pleasures is a very modern and very foolish idea. The whole notion of 'treating' oneself and others to 'treats' is a corrupt and decadent one."

For Lewis, Christmas was a time for simplicity, humility, and reflection, rather than excess and indulgence.

3. Enjoying Good Food and Drink

C.S. Lewis was known for his love of good food and drink. Christmas, with its traditional feasts and festive treats, was likely a time for him to indulge in his favorite culinary delights. Lewis was particularly fond of traditional British cuisine, such as roast beef, lamb, and plum pudding.

In his letters, Lewis often wrote about the pleasures of eating and drinking with friends and family. He believed that sharing meals together was an essential part of building relationships and creating memories. For Lewis, Christmas was likely a time to enjoy good food and company, rather than just a time for solitary indulgence.

His Favorite Christmas Foods

While we don't know the specifics of Lewis's Christmas menu, it's likely that he enjoyed traditional British dishes like:

• Roast goose or beef
• Mince pies and plum pudding
• Christmas cake and fruitcake
• Mulled wine and hot cider

4. Appreciating the Beauty of Nature

C.S. Lewis was a lover of nature and the outdoors. Christmas, with its festive decorations and wintry landscapes, was likely a time for him to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Lewis often wrote about the way that nature reflects the beauty and wonder of God's creation.

In his book "The Four Loves," Lewis writes about the importance of appreciating the beauty of nature, particularly during times of celebration like Christmas. For Lewis, Christmas was a time to slow down, observe the world around him, and reflect on the wonders of creation.

His Favorite Winter Activities

While we don't know the specifics of Lewis's winter activities, it's likely that he enjoyed:

• Taking long walks in the countryside
• Reading by the fireplace
• Watching the snow fall
• Appreciating the beauty of winter flowers, like holly and mistletoe

5. Engaging in Creative Pursuits

C.S. Lewis was a creative person, and Christmas was likely a time for him to engage in various artistic pursuits. Lewis was a talented writer, poet, and artist, and he often expressed himself through creative activities.

In his letters, Lewis often wrote about the importance of creative expression, particularly during times of celebration like Christmas. For Lewis, Christmas was a time to engage in activities that brought him joy and helped him connect with others.

His Favorite Creative Activities

While we don't know the specifics of Lewis's Christmas creative pursuits, it's likely that he enjoyed:

• Writing poetry and short stories
• Drawing and painting
• Playing music and singing carols
• Reading and writing letters to friends and family

In conclusion, while we can't know for certain how C.S. Lewis celebrated Christmas, it's likely that he emphasized tradition, spirituality, good food and drink, appreciation for nature, and creative pursuits. By exploring these aspects of Lewis's life and writing, we can gain a deeper understanding of his values and how he approached the holiday season.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, consider incorporating some of these elements into your own holiday traditions. Whether it's attending a special church service, enjoying a festive meal with loved ones, or engaging in creative pursuits, remember to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the heart of your celebrations.