Today is December 13th and we're just 1/12th of the way through the holiday season. This is important to remember, especially because we're in such a rush to get our shopping done. When is it okay to start Christmas shopping? Black Friday? December 15th? I'll let you decide on your own when you can shop, but I thought it might be worth pointing out that a lot of the stuff people are currently buying aren't gifts.
As you're walking through the mall or browsing the web, notice that a lot of the products being sold are things people buy for themselves and no one else. I see "I love me" or "I work hard, so I deserve this" sentiments all over the place. There's nothing wrong with stuff like that. It's great to be self-sufficient and appreciate yourself. What's not so great is buying other people things they don't need. But, in some cases, I think that's because we're distracted from what's actually important. What I mean is, as our culture wobbles in materialism, that might be what we're forgetting.
A lot of the stuff we get each year isn't really necessary. It's stuff we're buying to make the season more interesting or to put us in a good mood? We don't really need to get into the budget of how much it costs to put all the decorations on the tree or decorate the house. It all adds up.
After Christmas, we may never even use all the toys we get for our kids. I know I personally rarely give anything away when I'm done with it. I never get rid of anything that's broken and I'm always asking myself why I have three of something that doesn't really need three. It's a waste of money to buy something if you don't plan on playing with it.
However, as it's 12 days to Christmas, I'll just say it out loud in case you haven't heard the story of the birth of Jesus. There is no other reason to celebrate this holiday season rather than the birth of Jesus Christ. Let's not get caught up in the materialistic side of things, let's remember what Christmas is really all about. The birth of Jesus Christ - the reason for the season. This year, let's not forget what Christmas is really all about. It's not about your new iPhone or that Christmas tree-shaped cheesecake you're making. It's not about the receiving end of things, it's about the giving end. Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrating His birth with your family and friends.
Many people become so self-centered during the Christmas season that they lose sight of what the celebration is all about. They become too busy with the receiving and not focused on the giving. It's time to get back to what Christmas is really all about and that's giving back to those in need. I'm sure we've all heard the saying at some point, "It's better to give than receive." Now that am over 30 years old and the days of Santa Clause and Frosty's are over, I don't expect to sit by a fire and wait for a sleigh to come down the chimney. I know there is no such thing as Santa Clause or Rudolph in this part of the world I live in, but what I can't deny is that Christmas is one of the best times of the year. And even if you're not a Christian you have to admit that Christmas can be pretty awesome.
Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrating His birth with your family and friends. Jesus was a great man who was born in the small town of Bethlehem, but he is more than just a man. Jesus is the Son of God and on this Christmas season, everyone wishes to celebrate his birthday.
Do you remember the story of Jesus' birth? It will all remind you of that special time in your life when you remembered when you first time knew about Christmas. Believe, hope and love are the main points of this story, and people are still receiving salvation from all over the world. People believe in God who is love, hope for the best, and loves themselves in order to succeed in their lives.
As we enter into the season of giving, Jesus wants us to give what we have, as well as the things we've been blessed with. Let us remember this Christmas is not about the gifts we give or the food we cook for the holiday party, but it's about celebrating the birth of Jesus. Let's do that this year. Christmas will be here soon, but I urge you to give love, hope, and charity to all those in need. Give to those who have less and help them with the things that they need. We can make a difference and make a difference in our community and make an impact in others' lives this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas to you all.
I think most Nigerians already forgot the main reason we celebrate Christmas and they just want to enjoy themselves during this festive period but I hope we all understand it’s a season of giving and we should put a smile on peoples faces