In this season of joy, it appears we truly have gone off the deep end even further, and far beyond expunged the real meaning of Christmas from the holiday. I know – I know, you've heard it before. It's redundant of course, but for a reason.

It’s one hundred percent true.

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Each and every time the calendar hits December (or for some people, much, much, earlier. For some, actually outrageously too early), people succumb to the ‘Christmas Spirit.’ But the majority of society does not delve into the aspects of Christmas that should be profound; giving, being thankful, happiness, family, etc. As a whole, we have fallen victim to corporate Christmas. The whole season is one big industrial ploy. Everything from TV, radio, in-store and online ads, to the constricting adrenaline of having to complete your shopping list, drives the Christmas season’s reputation down the drain.

The whole point of Christmas is not gifts. Now, I like to give gifts just as much as the next guy, it makes me feels good about myself, as much as my wallet wants to bash my face in. If you're giving gifts in a genuinely nice fashion, it's okay, but the overarching point is the act of giving, not the presents themselves. Being said, you can't walk eight steps in the mall without getting stepped on or bumped or yelled at because the line is too long, even though it's quite obviously not your fault. Real nice Christmas spirit everyone has, huh?

The point is, no matter how you celebrate, whether your beliefs or family traditions incline you to celebrate Christmas, or any other holiday; people just don't seem to comprehend correctly to display the real meaning.

If you celebrate Christmas, the real meaning roots much further back to flashing lights on your house, a decorated tree, and a silent snowfall. Christmas is only Christmas because of the birth of Jesus. And regardless of your religious affiliation, the origination of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth signifies the beginning of God's plan: sacrificing his only Son in order to save everyone from their sins. But no matter what religious affiliations you may or may not have, Christmas in essence is about giving, about sacrifice, about being grateful for each other and the blessings you have.

We have to be appreciative for what we have. Christmas morning may roll around and Santa may have not dropped off exactly what we wanted under the tree, or we may have to work the very next day. There may be financial issues in your household, or family matters weighing a heavy toll on your mind and emotions. But on Christmas Day, however you celebrate it, look around at the blessings you do have. Family, friends, food, a house to sleep at night. Be grateful for everything this wonderful time of year has actually granted you, instead of what you may think you lack. It's easy to get caught up in the bustle, which is why it's vitally important to simply be appreciative for all that you do have.It's Christmas after all, be joyous. Joy has, for many years, been about who buys or receives the best gifts; but joy does should not come from any of that. God gave his only son Jesus Christ to us, so that our sins would be washed away so we can enter the gates of heaven. Joy should come from knowing that our such a tremendous sacrifice was made on our behalf. Joy should come from spending quality time with the people who you were blessed to have in your life. Be happy with what you have and make the memories that will last long after the gifts under the tree are broken and used up.