Christmas Spirit

I was a little concerned when this came up today on my news feed on Facebook: 

"Because we need Christmas we had better understand what it is and what it isn't. Gifts, holly, mistletoe, and red-nosed reindeer are fun as traditions, but they are not what Christmas is really all about. Christmas pertains to that glorious moment when the Son of our Father joined his divinity to our imperfect humanity." 
-Hugh W. Pinnock

I do my best to make sure my kids understand what Christmas is all about and why we celebrate it.  And in my house, it's about Jesus Christ, his birth, and all the love that he shared with everyone here on earth. However, I have to disagree with this statement of gifts, holly, mistletoe, and red-nosed reindeer not being a part of the true meaning of Christmas.  

Christmas evolves every year.  People keep old traditions, and create new traditions that fit better with their families, but I think no matter what is changed it's never the Spirit of Christmas.  I still see hope in children's eyes when they see Santa.  Santa is just another representation of love, caring and sharing of self.  I see excitement of giving when gifts are given, even from the smallest of children.  Gifts are an expression of caring and friendship for the recipient.  Holly in wreaths and decor at Christmas represent truth.  Truth in our relationships with each other.  I see love expressed under the mistletoe.  Love just beginning and love enduring many years.  Reindeer along with Santa have their place too.  They aren't just mythical creatures created to pull Santa around.  They are the mode in which Christmas spirit is delivered.  It could be through a friend, loved one, or even a stranger by way of a smile, an act of kindness, a gift, or a song.  There are many ways that the magic of Christmas can be shared.  We just choose which is best for us and our personality.

I hope during this Christmas season we focus on what Christmas is and can be, not what it isn't.  Christmas is love, kindness, and a time for helping those in need.  God let us all remember this now and throughout the year.