TL;DR
A Hacker News user posted a seasonal greeting acknowledging global time zones and varied observance dates, wishing rest and companionship to readers. The message included a link to a Wikipedia article on Christmas markets and a quoted passage from Luke 2.
What happened
On December 24, 2025, a user submitted a 'Tell HN' post offering a Christmas greeting to the Hacker News community. The author noted that different cultures observe Christmas on different days and reminded readers that time zones affect when celebrations occur. They encouraged people to prioritize rest and to spend time with loved ones rather than striving for perfection, and they also expressed empathy for those who cannot be with dear people during the holiday. To meet relevancy guidelines for the forum, the post included a link to a Wikipedia article on a seasonal tradition (noted as an advent-related Christmas market). The message closed with a biblical passage attributed to Luke 2; the same passage appears twice in the post. The item was posted to the HN discussion thread linked in the source URL.
Why it matters
- Signals of community solidarity can foster a sense of connection on tech forums during holidays.
- Acknowledging time zones and diverse observance dates underscores the global nature of online communities.
- Public recognition of loneliness and empathy can prompt supportive responses from other community members.
- Linking a cultural resource (Wikipedia on Christmas markets) provides context and keeps the post relevant to a broad audience.
Key facts
- The post was submitted as a 'Tell HN' message on Hacker News.
- The author wished readers a Merry Christmas and urged rest and time with loved ones.
- The message acknowledged that different cultures celebrate Christmas on different days and that time zones matter.
- The post included a link to a Wikipedia article about a Christmas/advent tradition (Christmas market).
- A passage quoted from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2) appears in the post and is repeated.
- The author also expressed sympathy for people who cannot spend the holiday with dear ones.
- The source URL for the thread is https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46380168.
- Published timestamp in the source metadata is 2025-12-24T22:56:00+00:00.
What to watch next
- Community responses and replies to the greeting on the Hacker News thread — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the author posts follow-up messages or engages in comments — not confirmed in the source.
- Any additional links or resources shared by commenters in response to the post — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Tell HN: A Hacker News submission tag used by community members to share personal announcements, projects, or messages intended for the HN readership.
- Time zone: A geographic region in which the same standard time is used, affecting when dates and events occur locally.
- Advent: A season observed in many Christian traditions leading up to Christmas, often involving specific cultural and liturgical practices.
- Christmas market: A seasonal street market associated with holiday festivities, typically offering food, gifts, and decorations.
Reader FAQ
Who posted the message?
Not confirmed in the source.
Was a source or link provided?
Yes — the post included a link to a Wikipedia article about a Christmas/advent tradition (Christmas market).
Did the post include religious text?
Yes — a passage attributed to Luke 2 was quoted in the message.
Is this an official Hacker News announcement?
No. The item is a user-submitted 'Tell HN' post on the Hacker News forum.
Different cultures celebrate Christmas at different days and time zones are a thing. But it's Christmas here, so: Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you get some rest and can…
Sources
- Tell HN: Merry Christmas
- The Heart of Christmas: Stories of Hope, Compassion and …
- 63 heartfelt Christmas greetings for your holiday card
- The Importance of Compassion this Festive Season
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