Final answer:
The origins of Christmas, initially a Christian reinterpretation of pagan traditions, have evolved into a holiday steeped in consumerism, where the secular celebration and material gift-giving overshadow its spiritual beginnings. This is a reflection of society's broader shift towards finding enjoyment and order in the act of purchasing and consuming goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how does the origins of Christmas square with consumerism is rooted in recognizing the historical and cultural evolution of the holiday. Initially, the Christian church adopted December 25th, the festival of the sun god Sol Invictus, to celebrate Christmas and ease the conversion of pagans by overlapping Christian and non-Christian traditions. Over time, Christmas and other religious holidays have been secularized and integrated into public spaces, contributing to a society where consumerism often overshadows spiritual origins. The emergence of consumerism, especially in the Victorian era, led to modern practices where purchasing goods became a form of enjoyment, supplanting pastimes more in harmony with the biosphere. This trajectory shows a shift from the celebration's pious origins to modernity, where happiness and social order are sought through consumption and material wealth. Hence, the intricate intertwining of Christmas with a consumer-driven ethos is a reflection of cultural adaptation and the quest for order and fulfillment in contemporary society.