What Christmas Means ... and What It Doesn't

Christmas falls every year on December 25th and each year, the sales get earlier, the hustle and bustle gets more intense and the focus leans more towards not being out-gifted than why we celebrate in the first place. 

Christmas Is About ...

(Photo : Wikimedia Commons)
Guido Reni [Public domain]

Christmas Is Not About ...

(Photo : Wikimedia Common)
Santa Rampage in Austin, Texas 2004, by photographer Steve Hopson

Christmas is About Giving From Your Heart ...

(Photo : Wikimedia Common)
By Andrea Booher (This image is from the FEMA Photo Library.)

Christmas is Not About How Many Gifts Under the Tree Have Your Name on Them ...

(Photo : Wikimedia Commons)
By Sigismund von Dobschütz

Other Important Things to Remember About Christmas ...

• Jesus was born in a manger - not exactly a "perfect" setting to have a baby in. Being determined that your Christmas celebration will be absolutely perfect is an easy way to miss out on the joy of the season. Don't get so stressed trying to make sure everything is divine that you miss out on the DIVINE meaning of it all.
• A stranger isn't going to know your faith beliefs just by looking at you, so if someone says, "Happy Holidays," they aren't necessarily attacking your Savior. You can reply, "Merry Christmas" without launching into a diatribe about the world trying to take Christ out of CHRISTmas. 
• Memories are better than stuff. Stuff wears out. It breaks and goes out style. You outgrow even the best stuff. Memories last forever. They're the hidden treasures that can bring smiles years after the fact. This year, instead of making long wish-lists of stuff, make memories with your friends and loved ones.
• If you have pets, you will probably have naked spots on your tree. It's OK. Other "pet people" will instantly know why and probably have a funny story or two to share about their own animal adventures at Christmas.
• When you feel like you've been standing in line forever, don't snap at the person at the register because you've got too much to do to wait so long. They have families too and chances are really good that they wish they were off, spending time with those families.
• You may get a gift that you don't like. If that happens, smile and say "Thank you" anyway. Remember, the giver wasn't required to give you anything at all!

Most of all, remember to love one another (even when someone isn't acting very lovable). Let your joy spread to others - don't let anyone Scrooge you out of being happy.

Tags : Christmas