Ho-Ho-Hum: Exploring the True Meaning of Christmas

TheCelebrityCafe.com recently held a poll asking about your thoughts on the commerciality and true meaning of Christmas. The question was straightforward, as were the results. There were 347 votes, and more than half (200 to be exact) thought that Christmas had become too commercial and lost its true meaning. One-hundred thirty-two voters thought the holiday has become too commercial, but has not lost its true meaning. Twenty-six voters said "No" on both accounts and 16 voters weren't sure.

Well, since this poll didn't delve into the reasons why people felt the way they did, I thought I'd ask an expert on the subject to elaborate. No, I didn't phone Santa in the North Pole, I asked my brother-in-law, Allen. How is he an expert, you ask? He's the guy who owns two Santa suits (one old and one new) and starts listening to Christmas carols in August. When we decorate the tree, he hangs Christmas balls off his ears in between sips of eggnog. He reads "The Night before Christmas" to my daughter on Christmas Eve. He believes that Christmas presents MUST be a surprise, (put away those gift suggestion lists) or gift-giving isn't nearly as fun and meaningful. He signs his gift tags as Santa. He knows every line in the "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" TV special, which must be watched (in addition to "Frosty the Snowman") each year. He decorates every nook of the house. He's so full of holiday spirit that it's downright....well, contagious.

Here's what "Mr. Christmas" had to say in response to the question, "Do you think Christmas has become too commercial and lost its true meaning?"

"Like Charlie Brown who was fed up with the commercialism of Christmas (Good grief!) you need to find your personal meaning amongst the craziness of the holiday. First and foremost, Christmas is the joyous celebration of the birth of Christ. To others, it's more about family, friends and tradition. For many, it's about helping those who are spiritually or financially less fortunate. It could be a memory of Christmas past or maybe the smile on your child's face on Christmas morning. You need to find your own Charlie Brown tree. The secret is to use just enough of the big bad commercialism to enhance your spirit. I suspect many (voters) will say the true meaning of Christmas has been lost, but whether you believe in Christ or not, the meaning is the same. It's the spirit of love, giving and hope for the coming year, and these things will never be lost."

I thought his answer made a lot of sense. We give gifts, material or otherwise, to show our love, and love is what the season is all about no matter what your beliefs. It all depends one's attitude and approach to the holiday itself and the madness and commercialism that surrounds it. So try to see past the commercialism and view the snow globe as half full rather than half empty. Try to keep the spirit of Christmas alive by doing something kind for a lonely neighbor, like baking him some cookies. Let the other guy have that parking spot at the mall, even if you were there first. Give a weary cashier a little smile and a thank you as you leave the crowded store. Take more time off and spend it carrying on family traditions. Guaranteed the annoying commercialism that accompanies the holiday will no longer overshadow its true meaning.

May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.