The Dallas Express took to the streets of Dallas ahead of the holiday to ask local residents what they consider to be the meaning of Christmas, something we intend to make a yearly tradition.
Bishop Avenue, the heart of the Bishop Arts District, was lit with Christmas tree lights, had holiday music blaring from various storefronts, and saw dozens of people out on the street window shopping with their friends and significant others.
The frigid air didn’t even stop people from coming out with Santa Claus hats on and taking pictures next to the Tipsy Elf bar.
Still, most people with whom The Dallas Express spoke said they believed Christmas had a deeper meaning than just the commercial aesthetics.
Annabella Martinez of San Antonio walked with her friends down Bishop Avenue in the freezing weather on Thursday and said that her feelings about Christmas come down to her faith.
“Personally, I’m a Christian, so I believe in Jesus Christ,” Martinez said. “And I feel what he offers is a beautiful story. And then it’s also about love and peace.”
She said Christmas is a time for joy and a chance for families and friends to get together and celebrate.
Sam Rodriguez was working the counter at the Oak Cliff Smoke Shop and said that Christmas was definitely about family and children.
“The traditional values type thing,” he said. “But then you have the religious part of Christianity. Other religions celebrate the birth of Christ differently, but we just have to do it.”
Others told The Dallas Express something similar.
“The birth of Jesus!” responded Pam Beers. Samuel Etaba agreed, answering, “The celebration of Jesus Christ.”
Reagan Burns, who was also braving the weather, said she wasn’t put off by the cold, claiming that it actually enhanced her attitude toward the holiday.
“I feel like the coldness makes it feel like Christmas,” Burns said. “It’s just a festive time.”
She added that celebrating the salvation of Jesus Christ was important to her, as well as gathering with family.
Vanessa Martinez said she found gift-giving, even at office parties, to be something very special about the holiday.
“I feel like you can show your love to people with gifts,” said Martinez, who also raved about some of the Christmas food that her family often makes, including a traditional Mexican chocolate drink.
Whatever personal meaning the day may hold, this Christmas is expected to be very cold, but hopefully, everyone has family or friends whom they can warm up with.
Merry Christmas, Dallas!
