“But why aren’t you wearing anything red and green? It’s Christmas time!”
Whether we have been asked this question outright or thought it ourselves when greeting someone during a Christmas gathering, it is worth mentioning that there are OTHER colors that celebrate the Christmas season outside of ruby red and emerald green.
If you have never been a fan of wearing these particular shades and forced yourself to during the Christmas festivities—fear not—you are not alone and do not need to continue wearing those exact shades. It is easy to get caught up in “the need” to buy the festive, brightly colored sweater that we simultaneously despise wearing but want to wear so we feel a part of everything around us.
This article is for the sake of affirming what you probably already have in your closet, affirm the goodness of staying true to personal style throughout every season, and to avoid the compulsive buys for the sake Christmas events.
Red and green are notoriously related to Christmas due to holly berries and evergreen trees being some of the only available foliage to decorate the churches and towns. Not to mention the theological significance of the pointed holly leaves representing the crown of thorns of Christ and the red berries seen as drops of His blood (The History of Christmas Colors—and Why They're Red and Green—Is Actually Fascinating). Evergreen trees remind us of Christ sustaining us and giving us life even through times of barren darkness.
Shades of white, gold, and blue should not be dismissed! The Liturgical year reflects the Christmas season in garments of white worn by the priests and adorning the altar in white cloth. Gold reflects the royalty of Christ the King, as well as the guiding Star of David and the gold presented at the Nativity scene by one of the three kings (The Colors of Christmas - WhyChristmas.com).
Finally, how could we forget the involvement of navy, royal, and even powder blue in our Christmas celebration! Blue dye was more expensive than gold during medieval times in which case blue represented important figures in their artwork (The Colors of Christmas - WhyChristmas.com). Navy represents the starry sky over Bethlehem. Royal blue is reflective of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the importance of her “yes.” All other shades of blue can be included in this representation of heaven colliding with earth on the day of the Nativity.
Take a breath and be at peace that you do not have to force yourself to buy another tacky sweater or bright green skirt you do not plan on wearing outside of the Christmas festivities. Be creative with these other Christmas colors and intentional!
Remember, the focus is on Christ. He desires us to be at rest—to be at peace during this time of great generosity and joy. Let’s honor Him by wearing what gives us peace rather than fitting a certain cultural standard. What we wear should not distract us or stress us. When we are caught up in the chaos of the culture “must do’s” and “absolute needs” during Christmas, it is easy to forget why we are celebrating in the first place. You have nothing to prove.
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