Writing/(Lengthy)/Reflective/Christmas History (It's a Little Overdue)

A January Note (Before We Begin)

(sorry again, this post doesn't follow our normal format.............but we'll get there for the next one!) 

hey readers!

I owe you a small apology.

I meant to publish a Christmas post in December. I really did. I love Christmas, the lights, the music, the quiet nights, and just about everything! It felt strange not to post something then. But December turned into something else. Instead of writing about Christmas, I found myself needing to write that letter. It felt more intentional to do that first than to rush into a seasonal post just to stay on schedule.

So this is me saying: thank you for your patience.

And also >> welcome to 2026.

A New Year, A Small Reset

January always feels different from December. December is reflective and emotional. January is more eager and steadier. Less about wrapping things up, more about opening the next page.

This year already feels like a fresh start.

New questions. New ideas. And the same curiosity that’s been here from the beginning.

So even though it’s a bit late, it felt right to finally share the long-awaited Christmas post, not as something tied to a date on the calendar, but as something that belongs to the transition between years.

Because Christmas, at least to me, has never really been about timing. It’s about atmosphere. Memory. And meaning.

Why This Still Feels Right

Writing about Christmas now doesn’t feel wrong, surprising as I mentioned earlier it feels intentional.

The holiday sits at the intersection of tradition, culture, history, and change. And looking at it after the rush is over makes it easier to see clearly: how it evolved, how it became what it is today, and why it continues to matter.

So this post is less “holiday content” and more a continuation of the kind of thinking this space is built and noticing how traditions shape us even when we don’t realize it.

Looking Ahead

I’m really excited for this year. Faces of Silicon Valley is entering its third year, and it feels like this space knows what it is now.

There’s more to explore. More to question. More to learn, together!

Thank you for being here as the year turns.
Thank you for staying.
And thank you for starting 2026 with me.

Now, let’s finally talk about Christmas.

Christmas: From Seasonal Traditions to Commercial Events

Introduction: 

Christmas is one of the most widely recognized and commercially influential holidays in the world. Its modern form did not appear suddenly. Instead, it developed gradually as customs, technology, and economic systems changed. What began as a small seasonal celebration evolved into a multi-month event marked by decorations, gift-giving, school breaks, and large-scale consumer activity.

Early Celebrations and Domestic Traditions

Early winter celebrations in Europe were largely shaped by climate and practicality. The colder months encouraged gatherings indoors, shared meals, and the use of greenery and candles to brighten long nights. These customs were simple and local, with little emphasis on display or scale.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Christmas began shifting into the home as a structured domestic event. Decorated trees became more common. Printed cards allowed people to exchange greetings across distances. Gift-giving moved from occasional to expected. These changes made Christmas more visible and repeatable, which allowed traditions to spread more quickly and consistently.

The Role of Santa Claus

A major factor in the standardization of Christmas was the development of Santa Claus as a central figure. Over time, Santa became a recognizable and consistent symbol associated with generosity and gifts. His image was easily reproduced in stories, illustrations, and advertisements, making him accessible across cultures and age groups. This consistency helped shape expectations around Christmas, particularly for children, and reinforced the idea of gift-giving as a core part of the holiday. As a result, Santa became closely tied to retail culture and seasonal marketing.

Lights and Public Display

One of the most visible changes in Christmas celebrations has been the use of electric lights. Early lighting methods were limited and temporary, but technological advances made large-scale decoration possible. Outdoor lights transformed private homes into public displays, turning neighborhoods into shared visual experiences.

Christmas lights became a way to mark participation in the season. Their widespread use also encouraged competition, expansion, and increased consumption, as decorations grew larger and more elaborate over time.

Time Off and Consumer Patterns

School holidays and workplace closures played a significant role in the expansion of Christmas. Extended breaks allowed people to travel, gather, and shop. As a result, businesses adapted by concentrating sales, promotions, and seasonal products around this period.

Retailers responded by offering themed merchandise, decorations, and bulk products. Stores such as Costco reflect this shift by dedicating significant space to seasonal goods, reinforcing Christmas as both a cultural and economic event.

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Comment Prompt!

1. How did the start of this year feel for you? Slow, exciting, overwhelming, or something else?

2. Do you enjoy reading reflections like this alongside informative posts? Why or why not?

3. What traditions (holiday or otherwise) help you pause and reset as a new year begins?

4. Is there a topic you’re curious about or hoping to see explored on Faces of Silicon Valley in 2026?

As always, feel free to respond anonymously or reach out through the Contact page if you’d rather share privately.

Thank you for reading!🤍

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let’s see where this year takes us.