Christmas Time is Here

In the economic crisis we are experiencing, retailers have seen some of the lowest sales around Christmas in years. The only chain to not see negatives is the always low priced, Wal-Mart. Does the this digression in Christmas spending mean that the spirit of Christmas will also be much less this year? I tend to think not. Actually, it may have just the opposite effect. It may not, but it is very possible that the economic downfall may mean a better Christmas for everyone.

It won't mean better in a sense of everyone will get more presents than they have in recent years. That obviously is not going to happen. What I'm curious to see though, is whether we have a much bigger appreciation for the things we do receive? Does knowing how much harder it is to give today affect our attitude towards receiving? The true essence of Christmas spirit is appreciation for someone thinking about you. Christmas is a holiday based on give to people you appreciate. I believe the appreciation of these gifts had greatly diminished during the 90s all the way up until this year. This year could be the first time in decades that we truly understand the thought given into each and every present. It is possible that Americans could gain a renewed perspective on the real meaning of Christmas! Christmas shouldn't be a time that you have some items set out you wanna get from people, and Christmas is the time to get them. Christmas is the time of year that we give love and gratitude to one another. Its about making someone feel special, because they are special to you.

In recent years, these concepts had been drowned out in the ideology that money trumps all else. We looked at how much money the retailers could make, how much would someone pay for the hottest new toys, how much is something worth, and how much value did I get from my presents! These questions totally drown out the true meaning of giving and the spirit of Christmas. This year I have a feeling things will be different. No longer are we focused on money necessarily, instead the focus has shifted to how are we going to survive this crisis. Whether it be time, political help, a big change, whatever the answer is we will not know by this Christmas! So this year it is about love for one another. Appreciating your neighbors, family, and friends because they have shown to be much more important than the money that holds our monetary policy together. Maybe when we are out of this crisis focus will shift back to money and how much we can make, but even then living through this hard time will stick in the minds of everyone that truly experiences it. Christmas 2008 will forever be remembered by the many millions who couldn't afford a huge Christmas like they are accustomed to!

This Christmas just remember the true meanings. Just remember that life is too short to worry about what you have, and appreciate who cares about you. You mean more to them than you may ever know. Life isn't a race to the top, but a race to the end. Reaching the top isn't a bad goal, but don't let it drown out the true beauty we can find in life and love. And if you ever do make it up there, don't forget about the ones who truly cared about you before and after you made it. They will always be there, and you should always be there for them. Christmas is the time to show your appreciation, and it can be shown with a simple little card in the mail or hand delivered that says Merry Christmas!