The spirit of Christmas

Nowadays we are so overwhelmed by the 'new meanings' of Christmas. We all know Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ, but many of us (including us, Christians) have contributed in making it anything but.

I read an article in the TIME magazine today and an excerpt of it tells the tale - "Every company in America should be on its knees thanking Jesus for being born. For without Christmas, most American business would be far less profitable." So since when this sacred day of all Christians has become a dollar generating machine?

Guilt trips emerged when I start asking myself of what have I done for others this Christmas. Shopping and wrapping of gifts? Decoration and preparation of our Christmas party? Plus the temptation of planning a Disney Christmas... ;p The voice of religion is a whisper in the shouts of crowd today, to get simple messages like these across even to Christians is a tough call - focus on "Jesus" instead of "Santa", write "Christmas" instead of "X'mas", greet "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays", and call it a "Christmas tree" instead of "holiday tree", etc.

But it doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate Christmas the way others are doing. For instance we can't disappoint the kids for not buying them gifts, it only has become our duty to impart to them what's the true meaning of Christmas. And there's no wrong to decorate your house and celebrate the day with a big feast, after all it's our big guy's birthday!

I think it's the gift-giving part that we should really work out a whole new dimension as to what and who we should give. While a barbie or DS or Wii may be cool for Christmas gift to the kids but perhaps choose a charity this year, or visit a senior citizens home. By doing that we teach our children the joy of giving.