"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!"

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching and Christmas music blasting throughout the mall, I excitedly prepare for the holiday season.  I can hardly wait for Christmas cookies, snow, and decorating the tree.  A couple days ago in class discussion, the conversation turned to Christmas: American or religious?  I feel the answer to that question depends on the way the holiday is celebrated.  In The Namesake, the Ganguli's celebrate the holiday despite their religion by decorating a tree and throwing parties.  They partake in some festive activities, but they do not set up a nativity scene in their front yard or buy an Advent calendar.  Although my family is not Christian, we too celebrate Christmas, with cookies, music and a tree, without the religious aspects of the holiday.  I feel the media plays a large role in making Christmas more of an American holiday than a religious one.