Christmas Spirit

Well, hard to believe that it is once again upon us. Christmas.

I have to wonder if I am losing my Christmas spirit, or if I am in fact gaining a better sense of it. I have to say that this year I am feeling a little more perturbed than usual about the foo foo of it all. I mean I love the decorations, the tree, the lights, the food and the company. But I guess I am just a little puzzled that we always forget what it really is about. The birth of Christ.

I like to believe that I am a Christian and I do believe in Jesus, therefore I celebrate his birth. This year in my annual letter I wrote something to that effect. Big Daddy said it sounded dumb. So I asked him what Christmas was about then? His reply was "presents". I found that odd coming from the guy who generally doesn't buy presents and puts on that he could care less about giving or receiving presents.

Furthermore to my frustrations I am tired... why all the fuss for one day? It is like a wedding in some ways. Life should be about the marriage, not the wedding. Well in this case, shouldn't life be about being a good person all year long and believing in your beliefs of Jesus all year long, not just this one day. Hmmm.

I guess I also wonder why so many people out there who are atheist or non-believers of Christ celebrate Christmas? Must be for the presents. Or is just because everyone else does it?

Am I becoming cynical in my old age or just realistic. I guess this year I just find myself so overwhelmed with things to get done for this one day of the year. Don't get me wrong, I love the giving and receiving of gifts and I especially love spending some down time with family & friends having some good times and laughter. But why does it take a holiday to force these wonderful things upon us?

I definitely do not want to become a humbug or scrooge as I really do love the holidays. But I think at the end of the day I could just get past my stained carpet, dirty old furniture, messy home, and just enjoy welcoming people in the door. I also wish we somehow could get back to the basics of it and really remember that this is the day that Jesus was born.

I don't want to sound holier than thou because as far as Christians go I am probably not one of the best one's out there. I guess I just wonder how many people really do wake up Christmas day and their first thought is "Happy Birthday Jesus" not where are the gifts.

Don't get me wrong, I still love the gifts and I am looking so forward to seeing my children's eyes light up when they see that Santa has found them to be good boys this year. I know they are going to have a wonderful day and a season of joy. I just hope at the end of the day as a parent I can somehow incorporate both, enjoyment of the season with a dash of it's true meaning. I hope it's possible.