As the year winds down and the holiday spirit dances in the air, one might expect a warm, fuzzy Christmas message filled with heartfelt sentiments and a joyous attitude. Instead, we often find ourselves diving into the shallow end of progressive platitudes that could give even the most resilient eye-rollers a run for their money. Like poorly wrapped gifts, these words may seem appealing at a glance but often reveal a gaping hole in substantive meaning upon closer inspection.

Imagine a world where we exchange genuine ideas, dripping with wisdom instead of empty phrases that sound significant but are fundamentally devoid of substance. As carolers belt out familiar tunes and stores entice consumers with “limited time offers,” the propagators of politically correct cheer seem to be more interested in avoiding offense than sharing the true spirit of the season. When was the last time someone took a moment to say “Merry Christmas” without waiting for an awkward glance or pre-emptive apologies? It’s almost as if they believe that saying the word “Christmas” is akin to setting off a verbal landmine.

Now, let’s picture the traditional Christmas narrative—the baby in the manger, shepherds, and wise men bearing gifts. Yet, some modern retellings dance around the central figure like he’s an inconvenient truth rather than the focal point of the holiday. Surely, Mary didn’t refer to her newborn child as “the babe laid in a manger.” If anything, she likely looked at him with exasperation, asking him to be home by dinner—practical mother stuff. The idea that the essence of Christmas has somehow shifted to holiday shopping escapades, hot cocoa markets, and obligatory cheer speaks volumes about where our cultural compass is pointing.

What are we really doing during this “festive season” besides hunting for the perfect gift for Uncle Harry, who we’ve learned from last year should probably stick to plastic dinnerware? Were the shepherds ringing out joyous tidings while secretly hoping their flocks would stop eating the angel’s robes? When the heavenly host showed up, weren’t they a little freaked out? “Lo” and behold, there’s a whole paralleling message there: while some feel compelled to share cheer, the responsibility of acknowledging what truly matters can feel like an angelic visitation—a bit overwhelming and requiring a strong guiding hand.

As we plow through the consumerist frenzy that leads up to December 25th, it’s easy to lose focus on the deeper implications of the holiday. Of course, Santa’s elves are busting their tails to keep up with demand, but are we fighting over who gets the last PS5, or truly taking a moment to reflect on the historical and spiritual significance of the season? The answer is as complex as a snowflake’s formation—and probably just as unique. Yet, the wind beneath our holiday wings seems to have shifted towards a more celebratory yet hollow appreciation for the season.

So, as we rush headlong into that time of year where love, charity, and—and one can only assume—tactful avoidance of discomfort should dominate our gatherings, perhaps a little wisdom and reverence wouldn’t hurt. Rather than interpreting the season through overly intricate contemporary viewpoints beholden to political correctness, why not reclaim that joy, that straightforward acknowledgment of Christmas, complete with all its messy, glorious implications? After all, in a world so readily equipped to hand out trigger warnings, wouldn’t it be refreshing for someone to simply say what needs to be said? Merry Christmas, indeed.