Reflections on the magic, joy, and enchantment of Christmas

Abstract

Weber (2009) predicted that we would live in a totally disenchanted world. When we revisit the history of humankind, we might even agree with him. Our time on this planet has been marked by wars, economic crises, hunger, natural disasters, and pests. In recent years it has been no different.But then comes that magical moment at the end of the year, when cities, shopping malls, and stores are decorated, get-togethers are scheduled, trips are planned, and families unite. For many individuals, namely those with purchasing power and who live in the Christian West, in an aestheticized economy (Böhme, 2017), it is as if it were a fairy tale, a relief, an interim of happiness. Christmas parties allow these subjects to reimagine their futures, make plans, seek to reconnect with family, friends, and co-workers. In fact, the reimagining and staging of a series of new sounds, sights, and even smells seduce people to re-enchant the world (Hancock, 2020). Thus, taken by the spirit of 'make-believe ' (Schechner, 2006), we believe that political differences, grudges, grievances, and different agendas can be overcome and that, at the beginning of the following year, everyone will have a new beginning. This is the magic of Christmas.