The true spirit of Christmas

Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!
                                                - The Grinch

Diane's comment on my blog yesterday made me think of this very appropriate quote from one of my favourite Christmas specials. As I'm racing around shopping and wrapping, she gently poked me in the side to remind me of the true meaning of Christmas. Oh, I knew it all along, but I easily got sucked into the commercialism of it with my list making and fretting about shopping.

But I think, despite my minor brain fart, I'm teaching my kids the right reasons for the season: It's better to give than receive, the most precious gifts are family, friends, health and happiness, and Christmas represents the birth of Jesus, God's generous and loving gift to us all.

The other day, my daughter wanted to buy her best friend a small Christmas gift (with her own money). She found some beautiful little braclets, lovingingly wrapped them herself and proudly brought them to school yesterday morning. Last night, we talked about her friend's happy reaction to the gift. I told Tara that's my favourite part of the season - seeing the expression on someone's face when unwrapping a gift I've chosen. She agreed. We talked about how it's nice to get gifts, but it's also very satisfying to give gifts.

Maybe that's why I'm a little frazzled. I want to get the perfect gifts, things I know my loved ones will enjoy. Sometimes that's tough. But then again, I honestly don't care if I get anything for Christmas. That's not what's important to me, personally. So why am I getting so hung up on what I get others?

The physical gift isn't really important because the real joy of Christmas is spending time with those I love. It's sharing laughs and cheer (in whatever form that takes). It's telling people they're important to me. It's hugs and kisses. It's taking time to be with those people who rock my world. I don't know how many Christmases I have (none of us do), so I'd best make sure I live the true meaning of Christmas during the ones I do get to experience.

May your homes be filled with cheer and laughter fill your hearts,
Tina