Should Christians celebrate holidays? Is it okay for a Christian to celebrate holidays?

TL;DR:

Christians have freedom in Christ to decide whether or not to celebrate holidays, as the Bible neither commands nor forbids it. What matters most in celebrating holidays is that we honor God, avoid sin, and reflect faith that points others to Christ.

what does the bible say?

Christians are not biblically required to or prohibited from celebrating any specific holidays, so whether they should celebrate holidays is a matter of personal conviction and freedom in Christ. Whether or not we celebrate certain holidays, each of us should be fully convinced in our own minds that it is God-honoring and good to celebrate (Romans 14:5-6). What matters most is that celebrations honor God and avoid anything sinful. We can honor God with holidays by making connections to our faith or by celebrating holidays in community, being hospitable and creating spaces that encourage fellowship and godly relationships. Some Christians choose to only celebrate holidays like Christmas or Easter in ways that focus on Christ, while others may avoid certain holidays due to associations with unbiblical practices. Ultimately, Christians should decide thoughtfully and prayerfully, ensuring their choices reflect faith and glorify God.

from the old testament

The Israelites celebrated certain holy days or holidays and were commanded by the LORD to do so (Leviticus 23). Each holy day had significant meaning for the nation.These included Passover (Exodus 12:14), Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15–21), New Moon celebrations (Numbers 10:10; Psalm 81:3), and other appointed festivals. Early Jewish Christians continued to observe these days and did not view such practices as conflicting with their faith in Christ (see Acts 21:20–26). In fact, the church began on a Jewish holiday—the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1–4).

from the new testament

The Bible clearly teaches freedom regarding the celebration of special days. Romans 14:5-6 says, "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord." Paul later adds, "So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil" (Romans 14:16). It is clear that celebrating a special day such as a birthday or national holiday is not necessarily bad; rather, it is a matter of personal preference.

implications for today

There is no biblical command that states Christians must celebrate certain holidays. Because of this, some advocate the opposite view—that Christians should refrain from the celebration of any holidays. This is particularly emphasized by the Jehovah's Witness cult, who celebrate only the death of Jesus and advocate against celebrating other days. Other traditions celebrate only what are considered "Christian" holidays, such as Christmas or Easter.

Christians should consider whether celebrating a particular holiday is consistent with Christian beliefs. For example, many Christians refrain from celebrating Halloween because of its association with evil spirits. Other Christians participate in some aspects of the cultural holiday, but exclude themselves only from aspects associated with evil. Again, the holiday itself is a matter of personal preference, but certain aspects that are clearly sinful must still be avoided.

Christians can consider how to use holidays for God's glory. For example, celebrating Mother's Day and Father’s Day provide great opportunities to honor parents, share the gospel, and offer other options to help people become more involved in the local church and Christian service. Christians are given freedom regarding whether or not to celebrate holidays.

Ultimately, each believer is called to act in faith, with a clear conscience, and in a way that honors the Lord. Whatever we choose to celebrate—or not celebrate—our goal should be to glorify God and point others to Christ in all we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).

understand

Christians have freedom to celebrate holidays, as the Bible neither commands nor forbids it.
Each believer should prayerfully decide if a holiday honors God and avoids sin.
Christians can use holidays to glorify God, build community, and share the gospel.

reflect

How do you personally decide which holidays to celebrate or abstain from as a Christian?
Are there any holidays you avoid because of their associations or practices, and why?
How can you use holidays as opportunities to serve others and share the gospel?

engage

How can holiday celebrations reflect faith and be celebrated in a way that honors God?
How can our holiday traditions better reflect Christ’s love and truth to those around us?
How do we balance cultural customs with biblical convictions when it comes to holidays?