Most people love Christmas and I am definitely one of those people. The snow, the lights, the trees, and time off from school, who wouldn't love it! I grew up and a Christian home, so Christmas was a huge deal for my family. We had Nativity scenes, we would read the Christmas story, go to church, and always participated in the church's Christmas show. When I was little I was taught that the day was Jesus's birthday and the reason we celebrate is because of him. When I was little, I assumed everyone celebrated it for what is was, Jesus' Birthday. As I got older I realized that was not the case.
Christmas has become this huge money making industry for businesses and debt making industry for customers. Everyone wants the newest and most expensive things out there. People line up for Black Friday deals and now even on Thanksgiving just to get a head start on their Christmas shopping. If you ask a child why they love Christmas, they will most likely say "presents." This is not the Christmas I was taught as a Child.
I do not believe there is anything wrong with giving gifts. I feel that too many times people worry about how much they can spend, what they should buy, who they should buy for, and if they can afford everything that is on their list. I do not think that is what this season should be about. Christmas should not be a stressful time of year. It should be a time of Celebration!
Many people probably will not agree with is, but I think it is a great idea. My sister was talking to me this year and she told me she isn't focusing on gifts with her family this year. Instead of buying lots of presents, they are taking a family vacation. My nieces always ask for all these presents and then a month later they can't even tell you what they got. Memories last forever, though, and to my sister, that is more important than how many presents are under the tree. I think more people should be willing to do this. Spend quality time with your family during the holiday is so much more important than spending all that money on things that will just break and get thrown away.
Whether people acknowledge it or not, Christmas is a Christian holiday about the birth of the savior. Jesus was born to save the world and that is why Christmas is on the calendar. People took his birthday and turned it into what they wanted it to be. If we learn to be more like him, I truly believe we can have the best Christmas ever without the money and without the presents. Make it more about love, time, and giving more of ourselves to the people who really need it.
Just something to think about this year.
