38. Christmas here, now and everywhere

38. Christmas here, now and everywhere

From Learning How To Be Old by Rachel McAlpine

December 16, 2025 · 17 min · Season 4 · Episode 38

About this episode

The episode explores the evolving nature of Christmas celebrations and their significance across different cultures and personal experiences.

Christmas is here now — and almost everywhere around the world. But how have your own celebrations changed over the years? How has your role changed and has your attitude towards Christmas changed? Are you more religious or spiritual now than you were 20 years ago? Why has this particular religious festival gone viral? Why do various non-Christian nations celebrate Christmas with a public holiday? How does Christmas vary in different countries? Above all, what does Christmas here and now mean to you? I asked random people this question on Cuba Street, Wellington, and they were mostly in agreement — but with some surprises. And of course I have my own opinions. Observance of Christmas by country (Wikipedia) An old-person Christmas tree (Writeintolife.com) Home alone on Christmas Day, 2015 (Writeintolife.com)

People in this episode

Host: Rachel McAlpine

Topics covered

  • Christmas celebrations
  • cultural differences
  • religious significance
  • personal reflections
  • global observance

Keywords

  • Christmas
  • celebrations
  • cultural differences
  • religion
  • spirituality
  • Wellington
  • Cuba Street

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Observance of Christmas by country, An old-person Christmas tree

Places: Cuba Street, Wellington

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