The True Meanng of Christmas

Christmas comes once a year on December twenty-fifth, as we all know. A time for joy and happiness and to buy overpriced plastic junk to decorate your yard with, or at least that's what commercialism wants you to believe. They want you to believe that if you don't buy your wife the biggest diamond ring you can afford without going bankrupt that she wont love you. That if you don't buy your husband that drill press he'll start drinking and hitting the kids. They want you to believe that if you don't buy your kids that new super pricey gaming system they will drop out of school start smoking pot and one day tell you that everything wrong with their life is your fault.

Some think Christmas is in celebration of the birth of Christ, which is at least closer but unfortunately most people stop celebrating a persons birthday because it becomes far to depressing after they are deceased. Since Christ died about 2,000 years ago I personally feel that it is safe to say that the meaning of Christmas has transformed to more closely resemble the basic beliefs of Jesus Christ. This time of year is not about giving its about caring. Although buying diamond rings, drill presses, and gaming systems can sort of show that you want someone to be happy, it doesn't necessarily say that you care. The only time giving someone an object for Christmas shows that you care is if it will help them with their struggles in life. For example when you donate to your local food drive to help families that are having a tougher time than you own or if you quite literally give that poor old homeless man the coat off your back because you see that his wearing thin. When it comes to showing your family that you care start off by telling them that you love them.

Showing spouses that you love them and care is fairly simple. A romantic evening with candles rose pedals and what not (and yes I am romantic sap). Now here is where things can get kind of confusing, showing your kids that you love and care for them. It is ok to buy that game system for them, but most parents think that is the one and only step, but the next step is most important of all, playing the games with them. I know what a lot of you are thinking right now "Me play a video game? I'm an adult, we don't do that". I completely understand, heck I remember when my dad tried to watch me play Final Fantasy VII, I could almost see his mind breaking as he tried to understand what was happening. Luckily I was old enough to see that he was reaching out to me so I found a save point and put in a racing game. He was so surprised when I tossed him a controller and said "loser goes out the kitchen to get sodas". That is now one of my most memorable weekends.

Next time you are shopping for all your loved ones on a holiday season remember what really matters, love and caring for not only your family but also humanity as a whole. After that feel free to enjoy your egg nog, to cook a massive dinner that your family will be eating for about two weeks after the fact, and if you are into it see just exactly how much tacky the outside of your home can handle. I want to take a moment to bid you all a happy and safe holiday season.