What is Christmas to you?

What is Christmas to you? Is it hustle and bustle at the malls, or getting everything just right for a party? Howabout buying the right gift for someone special? Do you think of the real reason for the season or does it get pushed back into the corner of your mind from all the stresses that the holiday can create?

This is the day that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The day has been replaced by materialism and merchandicing. We are starting to hear from the political correct that we should say happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas.

Christmas is a time for us to reflect. A time to remember what God has done for us and what he can do if we just ask. It should be a time of happiness and gift GIVING without a thought to receive a gift in return. A time to give to others who are in need and a time to spend with family.

But really, is Christmas time the only time of the year that we should do these things? Is there only one time of year that people are in need? We all need to look around us and see the less fortunate and the lonely people. Think of the people around you that have nothing, or that elderly person down the street who has no visitors.

What will happen to that child who has no shoes or clean clothes to wear to school? What is happening to the awnry old man next door who wants nothing to do with you or your children because he has been lonely for so long? Is he really unapproachable?

Is our December so filled up with things to do that we have no time for others? We need to stop and take a deep breath or two and look around. The best gift is giving from the heart with joy, love, and happiness. Its not the most expensive gift that we can afford, its the one that is selfless and full of caring. Its a gift that can be transferred to others. Its a gift of love and affection. Its a gift that says, "I care enough".

Charity is not necessarily a monetary value. Charity is the act of giving. An act that we all let slip by because we are too busy or just don't want to get involved. Charity can be giving time to those that are in need of help, like cleaning the gutters or making minor repairs for a neighbor. Taking a warm meal to the elderly and offering an ear to bend or a shoulder to cry on.

These acts are an act of kindness and love. Jesus gave us two commandments that are more important than anything else. He told us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love each other. Think about how you treat others and how you have taught your children to do the same.

Christmas is not about partying, or seeing who gets the best gift. Christmas is about giving, and giving our best. But it should not be one day or one month, it should be all year round.