The Christmas Season

   What meaning can we take from the Christmas season? That’s a question that a lot of people have different opinions on. For some, this season is simply about an overweight man who rides in a sleigh and eats cookies at every house in the world. For others, it’s about a Savior being born. Some people think of it as a day to simply spend time with our loved ones. We all attach different labels to Christmas, but what is the universal message? I don’t think that I can answer that for anyone, but I would like to share my experience and what I take from all of it.

   Every Christmas is a struggle for us all. Now, don’t judge too quickly. I’m not here to bash Christmas. I’m just pointing out that we all go through a lot trying to find the right gifts, and if we’re truthful, a little part of us gets sick of the commercialism of Christmas every year. I think that there is even something to learn in this experience, though. We break our necks to find the perfect gift for our loved ones and to truly surprise them. We spend a fortune that at any other time of the year would simply be unacceptable, and why do we do all that? Does it have anything to do with God or Santa Claus? No, it doesn’t. We do it because it’s worth it to see our friends and children’s faces on Christmas. Is it all a pain? Of course, it is, but for one brief moment, it’s all worth it when we know that we’ve made the people in our lives happy.

   Let’s examine the birth of Jesus for a minute. He chose to leave Heaven and be born in an imperfect world only to be a sacrifice for all of humanity. He was the Ultimate Gift to us. It wasn’t easy, but maybe that’s what true kindness is all about. That’s the theme of Christmas to me. It’s the hardest season of the year, and we have to sacrifice a lot to make any of it work, but in the end, it’s all worth it when we know that the people in our lives are happy on what is supposed to be the happiest day of the year.

   If there is one theme that I take from Christmas, it’s that there is no sacrifice that isn’t worth it for the people I love. Whether we give gifts - or if for some reason we don’t, I know that every Christmas will always be exactly as it should, no matter what happens the day before or the day after. We all make it that way. In the same way that the Son of God was selfless by coming to this world, we follow His example and act selflessly for one day. It’s an amazing thing to see people go against their nature. So to make myself clear, Christmas isn’t about a gift or even a man in a sleigh. It’s about the kindnesses that you give away to the people who mean the most to you. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with the people you cherish most. Merry Christmas!!