Jesus > Jelly Beans

I don't have a problem with parents teaching their children that Santa Claus doesn't exist. Let's face it, he doesn't. He's made up and just a ploy for some parents to get their kids to be good around a stressful time of year in exchange for presents. Some do it because it's tradition and they think it's fun. I grew up going to my great grandmothers every year to sit on "Santa's" lap to tell him what I wanted for Christmas.

I knew it wasn't really him. Secretly, I figured he didn't exist. I may of been six or seven but I wasn't stupid. I just enjoyed the chance to spend time with my family and share memories that I'll probably remember for the rest of my life. There was a sense of family and warmness around that time of the year. 

Easter was no different. We would go to my grandparents house for Easter egg hunts and to have big pot luck styled dinners. It was a lot of fun. I wasn't really much of a Christian then, so to me--it was just for fun. My grandparents were deeply religious, so they'd try to teach us about the seriousness of the holiday. Now, that means more to me than it did then.

I'm thankful that they tried to plant that in me. As I've grown and matured, and became a Christian, remembering my grandmother telling us "Jesus is the reason" for the season is an important memory. And now I can't ever forget that, even if I tried.

That doesn't mean we didn't enjoy a laugh or two hunting for colored eggs. Or we didn't exchange candy and have big feasts. Family is something to celebrate. Sharing with each other is something to celebrate. Jesus' resurrection is  definitely something to celebrate.

I know the origins of some of the traditions of some of the holidays. Some of the traditions are pagan in origin. If you enjoy the season like I did as a kid because you like candy, presents, family dinners and fake characters like the Easter bunny or Santa--you're missing the point.

But if you're enjoying gifts with family and just making memories together, while celebrating the reason for the season, what's the problem?

What gives for some people?

What's so wrong enjoying some candy on resurrection day? What's wrong with some colored eggs?

You don't want the Easter bunny taught to your kids? Fine, don't do it.

But I don't understand how some people can disagree with Westboro Baptist Church when they're saying soldiers died because of their sins and homosexuals deserve the death penalty; but agree with them when they label those who follow these traditions as idolatrous and holiday worshippers. That's religiosity and an incredibly holier-than-thou attitude. 

I don't worship my family. Or candy. Or eggs. I don't even think those are the core reasons for the holiday. I know the reason for the season and I celebrate it.

But I also know not all of my friends and family are Christians. I don't rub my religion in their noses. I celebrate with them and make memories. I don't forget why the day is important and I don't minimize it. 

I have some candy, I eat some lunch, I spend some laughs with those I care about the most and I thank God for the blessings he's given me.

I'm thankful and humbled by the fact he died for my sake and rose from the grave for people like me.