German Christmas (1970)

This time of year is an interesting one for Baha'is. Some will have quite a bit to do; others, nothing. It all depends upon their friends and family.

For those of us who associate with Christians, we generally will celebrate Christmas with them, as a way of showing our continued reverence for Christ (which has not diminished, but expanded to include other Messengers from God). In some cases, it can actually be a prudent gesture when the rest of one's family is Christian, to show that we still love them and honor the traditions they have. The same goes for Baha'is who have friends and family of the Jewish and Muslim faiths, or who celebrate Kwanzaa. As we recognize the Divine source behind all the Messengers of God, we enact that understanding through expressions of love for Their adherents.  

For the Baha'is, there are 11 holy days, and none of them fall in December. Friends may ask, "but what about Christmas?" While we certainly believe in Christ, we don't celebrate the holy days associated with His dispensation - just as Christians believe in Moses, but don't celebrate according to the Jewish traditions. Baha'is do have their own holy days and special events, a listing of which is here.

As for a time of gift giving, that merry occasion comes at the end of February, a period called "Ayyam-i-Ha" (or the Intercalery Days, which fall outside the calendar year.) During these 4 (or 5 during leap year) days, we engage in joyous festivities, spend time with family and friends, be of good service and charity to others, and exchange presents. And when the 'Days of Ha' are over, we enter the month of fasting until our new year, March 21.