The holiday season has become synonymous with glittering lights, festive music, and, of course, commercialized symbols like Christmas trees and Santa Claus. Yet, as the global marketplace continues to impede on tradition, the meaning of these celebrations has transformed in different ways for people across cultures and religions. This year, as the holiday season rolls around, it’s worth taking a step back and reflecting on how religion and spirituality intersect with the celebrations we’ve come to know—and how they differ across the world’s diverse cultures and faiths.

The Commercialization of Religion

In the U.S., a recent survey by PBS revealed that 80% of Americans believe religion’s role in society is shrinking, marking the highest proportion in two decades. Despite this shift, most Americans still see religion in a positive light, reflecting a broader debate between mainstream American culture and religion’s place within it. This cultural tension is growing more complex, especially as more people seek to integrate—or disengage—from religion in public life.

The holiday season is a particularly stark illustration of this. While the commercial world has adopted religious symbols like Christmas trees and menorahs for marketing purposes, there is an ongoing conflict over what these symbols truly represent. For some, Christmas is still a sacred time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, while for others, it’s simply an excuse to gather with family and exchange gifts.

Religion and spirituality play a significant role in how people navigate these cultural celebrations. According to the same PBS survey, there’s a notable political divide between secular liberals and conservative Christians, both of whom feel that the other side is either imposing or attempting to remove religion from the public sphere. As Christian nationalism grows in the U.S., a growing number of people on the conservative side advocate for a more overtly Christian culture, including calls for Bibles in schools and greater public displays of Christian symbols.

At the same time, many minority religious groups, particularly Jewish and Muslim Americans, view themselves as increasingly marginalized. While they may not always consider themselves "minorities," the trend of religious and cultural distinction is rising. This demographic shift calls into question how religion—specifically its commercialized aspects—impacts their ability to celebrate in ways that honor their traditions.

Holidays Around the World: Different Celebrations, Shared Spirit

The way people celebrate the holidays can vary drastically depending on cultural and religious backgrounds. For example, while Christmas is a central holiday for Christians, not everyone celebrates it—or celebrates it in the same way. In many parts of the world, Christmas is still a deeply religious observance, while in others it has taken on a more secular or commercialized tone.

In the United States, Christmas is often associated with consumerism—sales, decorations, and mass media campaigns. However, as you travel to different corners of the globe, you’ll see variations in how this season is recognized and celebrated.

See the different winter holidays and how they are celebrated around the world.

Even within the Christian faith, Christmas takes on different meanings depending on the denomination, region, and local culture. In Latin America, for example, Christmas is often celebrated with vibrant parades, communal meals, and religious observances.

The Clash Between Secular and Sacred Celebrations

This growing cultural and religious diversity has sparked a unique conflict between secular and religious factions. For some people, the commercialization of religious holidays—such as Christmas and Hanukkah—dilutes their sacredness. The endless parade of ads, sales, and holiday-themed promotions can feel like it devalues the spiritual essence of these observances.

At the same time, the rise of Christian nationalism and calls for more religious symbols in public spaces clash with the increasing secularization of mainstream American culture. For many secular liberals, religious symbols like nativity scenes or Bible verses in schools represent an imposition of particular educational practices. This cultural tug-of-war has led to the current divide in American society, with both sides of the political aisle believing the other is trying to impose its beliefs.

The Shared Spirit of Celebration

Despite the deepening divide over religion’s role in public life, the holiday season still provides a shared space for people to connect across boundaries of belief, culture, and politics. As we celebrate the holidays this year, it’s important to recognize that while we might share the season’s commercial symbols, the way we celebrate is deeply personal and shaped by our cultural and religious backgrounds.

In the end, the spirit of the holidays—whether through the lighting of candles, the exchange of gifts, or the gathering of family—is about more than just religion or commercialization. It’s about community, connection, and celebration of life’s joys. Without religious ties, Christmas has become so widespread that families across religions still celebrate with champagne, brunch, and family gifts as part of American culture.

By recognizing how different cultures celebrate the same commercialized time, we can deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between religion, culture, and commerce. The holiday season may be marked by an influx of sales and advertisements, but its deeper significance remains in the families who celebrate it with meaning and intention. Whether you’re lighting a menorah, decorating a Christmas tree, or observing the Winter Solstice, the holidays are a reminder of the many ways we find light in the darkest of times.