Each year, during December, we find ourselves inundated with holiday advertisements, glittering sales, and social media posts showcasing perfectly decorated trees, DIY Christmas projects and expertly wrapped gifts. Christmas has become synonymous with consumption, a far cry from its origins as a celebration of faith, family, and community. For Black people in particular, the question arises: has Christmas lost its soul in our communities, and if so, how do we reclaim it?
WalMart (who recently rolled back their DEI efforts), broke out Busta Rhymes for a commercial to get Black folks to shop in their stores for Christmas. Credit: YouTube
Historically, Christmas in Black households has been about more than just exchanging presents. Rooted in traditions passed down from generations, it has served as a time of collective resilience and joy. Despite systemic oppression and limited means, Black families have found ways to make the season meaningful. Songs like This Christmas by Donny Hathaway and church services steeped in Gospel music became cultural mainstays, reminding us of the deeper connection between the holiday and our shared experiences of struggle and triumph.
But today, that soulful essence feels increasingly eclipsed by commercialization. As capitalism has seeped into every crevice of the holiday season, many Black families are left chasing ideals that may be neither attainable nor fulfilling. The pressure to give children the latest gadgets, post the most enviable family photos, and create Instagram-worthy memories can often overshadow the real reason for the season.
This isn’t to say that material expressions of love are inherently bad. I, for one, LOVE gift-giving. Gifts have long been a way of showing appreciation and care. However, when the holiday becomes more about what’s under the tree than who’s around it, we risk losing sight of Christmas as a time to honor faith, family, and togetherness.
Even caroling, which used to be a major part of Christmas, is a forgone affair. (No credit)
For Black people, the soul of Christmas is tied deeply to our faith traditions. Yet even church attendance during the holidays seems to wane in some communities. Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services, once central to the holiday experience, are now competing with brunch reservations and after-Christmas sales shopping trips. This shift raises questions: Are we losing our spiritual anchor? And what does it mean for a people whose survival has often been sustained by their faith?
Equally concerning is the erasure of Christmas’s communal aspects. At its heart, the holiday has been about extending love and generosity beyond the walls of our homes. Whether participating in toy drives, feeding the homeless, or simply gathering with neighbors for caroling, these acts remind us of our shared humanity. But with the rise of individualism, such traditions are increasingly viewed as optional rather than integral.
Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate (shown here with her family) keeps the soul in her family’s Christmas by making everyone wear matching pajamas, spend the evening playing games and taking lots of photos. Credit: ReShonda Tate
To reclaim the soul of Christmas in Black communities, we must intentionally shift the focus back to what matters most. This means revisiting and revitalizing our cultural traditions. I remember being in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother as they cooked Christmas dinner, passing down stories from elders. My kids open gifts, disappear to play their games and emerge to fix their plate. And I let it happen. Because in the hustle and bustle of the world, I, like so many others, lost sight of the soul of the holidays. But children must know the roots of their holiday songs and customs – which is just one of the ways to keep the spirit alive. Supporting Black-owned businesses for gifts can also bring a sense of purpose and connection to our spending habits.
It’s also time to reimagine how we give. Instead of focusing solely on material gifts, we can offer experiences, time, and acts of service. Volunteering together as a family, checking in on elderly neighbors, or organizing community potlucks can create lasting memories far richer than anything store-bought. (My kids are rolling their eyes as they read this) but it’s crucial that we find a balance between gifts and giving.
No, Christmas has not lost its soul entirely, but it is at risk. As Black people, we have always found ways to infuse meaning and purpose into our lives despite societal pressures. This holiday season, let us recommit to celebrating in ways that honor our faith, nurture our families, and uplift our communities. In doing so, we can ensure that Christmas remains a soulful expression of who we are and what we value most.
