The True Meaning of Christmas

          As a child, I was pretty much taught (from an early age) ambiguous meanings for Christmas: Santa Claus, reindeer, Frosty The Snowman, and little people known as "elves" that make toys at the North Pole for Mr. Santa Claus. We are also lied to by secular religion---from Catholics, to Protestants, as to the "real" reason for the season: to celebrate Jesus Christ's miraculous conception and birth. As a matter of "TRADITION", I also passed on these beliefs to my children. After all, what is family life but the word "TRADITION"?

          I am now in my soon to be mid-forties and, of course, realize that there is no "Santa Claus"; no Frosty The Snowman; and that if there is anyone at the North Pole, it sure isn't going to be little people known as "elves" making toys. These are ambiguous "TRADITIONS" that urge people to spend money on gift-giving at a certain time of year to make sure the economy doesn't go sour, as far as the governments and retailers are concerned (Yes, I believe Christmas is wrought with over the top consumerism!). I also have been enlightened in regards to the truth about Jesus Christ's birthday (a specific date for this miraculous event has never been divulged; we just believe it to be true); and, to top that bit of knowledge off, it is not coincidence that we celebrate Christmas (December 25) around the WINTER SOLSTICE (usually falls between December 20-23 of each year). Christianity has decidedly candy-coated a PAGAN ritual/holiday which was at first banned by the Roman Catholic church. So it seems as though the holiday itself is fraught with hidden evils: overspending and worshipping pagan rituals are just two.

          Yet, I still celebrate "Christmas" with my family and friends every year: at first, as I learned all of the true facts regarding the holiday, I wanted to just simply stop celebrating it. However, my family has been steeped in "TRADITION", and, to be honest, I perpetuated the problem by teaching meaningless "TRADITIONS" to my children while they were young. Of course, now that they are grown and have their own children---they also have the option of being truthful or perpetuating these "time honored traditions"; so, I am now working on teaching my children and grandchildren what Christmas means to me personally.

          Don't get me wrong; I don't hate Christmas---far from it. Each year I buy presents (therefore doing my part for the economy); I decorate my home (it's become simpler decorations, but, the electric company still loves me); and we usually have the whole family (and close friends) over for dinner, presents, and goodies. Yet, it is now a different set of reasons that urge me to participate in this maddening holiday.

          First and foremost: I love my children and grandchildren, and, although I'm sure they "know" this, the Christmas holiday does give me the chance to express my feelings to them by giving gifts. I also love to see their reactions when they open their presents: these are the "Kodak" moments we all cherish around the holidays. There is no religious connotation in this, just simple love of family and friends.and the priceless smiles that one receives when a gift is truly appreciated.

           Second, the word "TRADITION". We've always celebrated Christmas and always will because it's a traditional family/friends holiday that spreads happiness and cheerfulness, a couple of things this increasingly scary world needs. It brings family and friends together and reminds all of us of the people and times in our lives that have made life truly worth living. A tradition of this magnitude shouldn't be discarded due to religious people cultivating a preposterous lie or the fact that one can't control their spending: both of these "evils" can be left out of the traditional Christmas celebration by focusing on what all people have correct beliefs in: their families and friends. In this way, a truer, heart felt tradition emerges.

          Finally, I must say, the act of giving gifts to one another (whether it be family or friends) demonstrates to those important to us that we love and care for them, even if they already "know" this in their minds and hearts. It shows our family and friends they matter, even if life keeps all of us apart for whatever reason. Those feelings are priceless and need to be cultivated a bit more often. However, the true meaning of Christmas can't last all year---especially in these hectic times---so, we wait until the time of year when it's more prevalent in our society. Wonderful times and memories of loved ones---the true meaning of Christmas.