Have We Forgotten The True Meaning Of Christmas?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Have We Forgotten The True Meaning Of Christmas?

The meaning is still there for those who seek it.

5500
Have We Forgotten The True Meaning Of Christmas?

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ with loved ones. Or at least that was the point of this holiday, because it seems that many have lost sight of what Christmas is really all about.

Between the decorations, the constant advertising, and the millions of Christmas lists made each year, it easy to see why we have lost the true meaning of Christmas. You can't go anywhere without seeing some sort of Santa decoration or sales sign in stores windows, and that's because it has become so commercialized.

People focus so largely on the materialistic side of it that they can't take time to appreciate the true meaning of this season. Around this time each year, kids will make sure to come up with a huge list of gifts for Santa, a figure that their parents claim gives them the presents under their tree on Christmas day. Don't get me wrong -- I always loved the idea as a kid of Santa delivering my toys to me that his elves made me, but I don't think I ever really appreciated what Christmas was all about until I was older.

Beneath all the glitz and glam, I came to a better realization that Christians all around celebrate this special day for the birth of Jesus who ultimately gave up his life for us. He did something so incredible and selfless for all of us, and as a child, I definitely did not appreciate it as much as I should have. I, like most other kids out there, loved Christmas mainly for the presents and didn't really understand what we were exactly celebrating and why.

It is sad to hear stories of kids crying because they didn't get the present they wanted or didn't get as many presents as they thought they would. It's even sadder hearing about parents who hate Christmas because of all the preparation and shopping that they feel they have to put into it. It has become all about the gifts, and not enough about the actual meaning.

While this is a day to celebrate Jesus, it is also a day to remember what Jesus did. Jesus helped those in need such as the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, the outsiders. He provided the help to anyone who needed it. As Christians, we have always been taught to love thy neighbor, and it's time we started acting on what our religion preaches. The Christmas season is the perfect season to feed, donate, and share some time with the lonely and homeless, as well as appreciating our loved ones that surround us. It's a time to really feel the "true spirit of Christmas" through the helping of others.

I am by no means trying to be Scrooge. I love Christmas just as much as the next person does, but maybe, just maybe, people can start to acknowledge again that there is more to Christmas than the fairy tinsel and the sparkling lights and the extravagant presents because if I were to ask kids today the question, "What is the true meaning of Christmas?" I'm afraid those things will be the most common answers.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56778
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36590
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958405
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

189243
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments