It does not matter if you grew up in a Christian or secular household, you likely had it drilled into you through most Christmas programs you saw in TV and every Christmas school activity that Christmas is not about Santa Claus or receiving presents, but about giving. Of course, if you grew up in a Christian household, you were also taught that the reason we celebrate Christmas is to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, but that added even more to the reinforcement that Christmas is not about you receiving presents. It is not about that at all, or even you. However, the rampant materialism of our culture has led us to constantly think otherwise.

We see advertisements for stuff on TV all the time disguised as a way to bring the family together at Christmas, and all the ads that pop up on our computer screen generally say things like “Last chance to buy the perfect gift” or “Last chance for a Christmas deal”. All the ads are for materialism. This is the holiday where we celebrate things, and it is very easy to get caught up in the frenzy of just buying things for the holidays. Stores are pack on Christmas Eve. The media portrays Christmas as about stuff, but we all know that it is not. We were all taught that it is not since we were small children. So what do we do about this? For starters, we could spend some time out of the store and actually give.

There is no lack of people to give to this Christmas. Any trip to a major metropolitan area will expose you to people in need. There are countless people on the streets, and we really cannot say that they are all a bunch of drug dealers who are too lazy to work. They are in need. Although giving out money may not be put into good use, at least acknowledging the clearly homeless people who come up to you as human and making eye contact can be a blessing to people who do not receive human treatment on a regular basis. Additionally, you can give to organizations that support the poor and marginalized to insure that any donation to the homeless will be put to good use.

Many people internationally are also in poverty and are in need of our giving this holiday season. Donate to international aid organizations. The website Charity Navigator can provide information on what organizations put aid to good use and also give you many options to donate to do help during the holiday season.

Additionally, helping out in the community is a very good thing to engage in this holiday season. Volunteer at the local food bank or soup kitchen, organize a gift drive, visit people in hospitals and prisons, and/or take part in a food drive. Take some time to stay out of the store and help people all over who are in need. Embrace the true holiday spirit and spread the giving and the Christmas joy.