What does Christmas really mean...?

Everywhere I hear people talking about what they are getting their children, their spouses and their families.  They stress over whether or not Jimmy will like his train or if Susie will like her doll.  So much time and effort is spent trying to find that perfect gift that everyone forgets what Christmas is all about.

To me, Christmas is about loving our friends, family and neighbors. Doing all that we can to help out where needed and making our time available to each other to share in the joy of God’s gift to us.  Not letting ourselves get worked up over how many gifts we have purchased for each person, rather asking ourselves – am I giving them a gift that has meaning?  If not, it is just stuff and we all have enough stuff already!

God gave us the ultimate gift, His Son.  There is nothing else that any of us could give to one another that even remotely would equal that precious gift.  I have a daughter, would I be willing to give her to the world?  No way!  Well, at least not at the moment...

As you can see I wrestle with the commercialization of the holiday.  This year I was horrified when the stores began putting up the decorations in the stores before Halloween was even over.  My mailbox has been swamped with sale ads and fliers of every shape and size.  My e-mail has been inundated daily with coupons, discounts and additional advertisements.  I can't even turn on the TV without getting blasted with commercials.

My daughter began hitting me up in September with ideas of what I could get her for Christmas.  Every time a commercial comes on she says “Ooo-ooo, I want THAT for Christmas”.  I have a feeling she will be disappointed this year.  I purposely have not gone overboard with gifts for her and I have instructed her Dad and my mother not to do so either.  It seems she has been developing a greedy streak that has been of our own making.  We love to see her face light up when she gets new things, so we have created a monster.  Now she wants more, More, MORE!!!

I have also turned the focus on what we can do for others.  Cleaning out the closets and the toy boxes, what can we share with those that have nothing?  Many of these items are in new condition with minimal wear and tear.  What a special thing for someone that has nothing at all?!  This also helps to make room for all of the new stuff that I know we will be getting this year regardless!