What is the TRUE meaning of Christmas?
At this festive time of the year, people begin to start planning for the number one holiday of the year; Christmas. In Christianity, Christmas is the occasion in which people celebrate the birth of Christ. When we think of the story of Christmas, the Nativity, we think of the characters: the three wise men, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the innkeeper. We think of how there was no room at the inn, or the presents that the wise men bring: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Traditionally as it is a religious occasion many people attend church services or do carolling to raise money for charity. In schools we have Christmas services,. On Christmas day we have the Queen's speech. But has something so traditional become something else? Has the celebration evolved into something less special? Is Christmas now only an opportunity for self-gain?
What is Christmas?
In the modern age we live in, the typical Christmas consists of purchasing and exchanging presents, sending and receiving greeting cards, eating a traditional Christmas dinner with turkey, chocolate and Christmas pudding. But if you compare this to 50 years ago the difference is quite shocking. Let me take you back to the 1930's. A typical Christmas would consist of: no Christmas tree, less presents (due to the Second World War), goose for dinner and church was attended. In comparison, now we should be overjoyed with the amount of gifts we get and the way we decorate our houses and make the holiday special. But has the way we have evolved made us less thankful?
Returning to the idea of Christmas gifts, has the fact that people have more money than they used to affected the type of gifts that they buy and the level of expectation others expect especially in children. Do children expect more expensive gifts than they used to? In the last ten years the amount of technological devices available to us (for example the ipad, iphone, various laptops, and cameras) has increased rapidly. Now, seeing a 7 year old with an ipad is normal. Is this right? Presents are a big part of Christmas for a young child. The idea that Father Christmas will make them their presents and hide them under their trees in return for a mince pie and glass of milk. But when they get older does this idea of Christmas lose its magic and tradition?
On the 24th of December, many of you will be putting your children to bed nice and early, huddling gifts under the tree, getting the dinner ready for the following day. However, take some time to think. Think of all the people that don't have a home this Christmas. Think about what you are given, and be grateful. Celebrate what is and always will be the TRUE meaning of Christmas for you.
