"Merry Christmas!" (Insert 20 different emojis including Santa, a tree, a gift, and a variety of red and green circles here.)
This is the first text that I expect to receive on Christmas Day, whether its from my significant other, my friends at college who I already miss, or a distant friend trying to keep in touch. But why does this text mean so little to me? Why does a generic text message make December 25th seem less like a holiday and more like an advertisement?
Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of reaching out to others on a special day. Feeling like I was a thought in the back of someone's mind is an extremely satisfying feeling. Feeling unloved or under appreciated is absolutely not the issue. The real issue lies in the meaning behind the words "Merry Christmas."
What's the first thing that pops into your head when someone says the word "Christmas?" For most people you think of Santa, being broke because you bought everyone you know a gift, or the 12 pounds that you're about to gain from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner. Herein lies the issue: do we really even remember what Christmas is really about?
Learning about the history of a holiday can really help you appreciate the actual holiday itself. Every year on December 25th we celebrate the birth of Christ. Now, with something as significant as the birth of our savior, you'd think the near two billion Christians around the world would focus less on the material aspect of Christmas and more on the religious reasoning behind it. You'd be wrong. In a world where advertisements, social media, and a hell of a lot of green and red has taken over the holiday season, our priorities around this time of year seem to stray from the whole reason that we get to celebrate this elaborate holiday.
This year, challenge yourself to learn more about the true reasoning behind Christmas. It will change your whole perspective on why we celebrate the holiday. Try to shift your focus from spending money and who gets the greatest gift to spending time with the ones who you love. Learn to appreciate the little things.
As Christmas draws closer and we take a step back to see exactly how this holiday season has affected us, just remember why we are here in the first place. Bring meaning back to the idea of Christmas. Learning to look past material things and really focus in on what is important this holiday season could change your whole outlook on the holidays.
May the Lord bring you peace, joy, and harmony this holiday season!
