So here it is, my first ever Christmas post. As you all know I am a Christian so the true meaning of Christmas in my life is quite obvious, but that is not what I decided to write about today.
Every year I am troubled by all the commercial aspects of Christmas. On black Friday there are always stories of fights over a special toy or a place in line. Some people have even lost their lives in stampedes when the stores open. How can this happen at such a special time of year?
I know so many families that insist on buying presents for every living family member. Some people spend more at Christmas than the GDP of Australia. How can this be wrong because Christmas is about giving, right? I don't think these people do it for the true joy of giving. It seems like the pressure to give better and better presents is put on people by family members or society. You must give as much as Aunt Susie or you will be ostracized from the family. In short too many people must have presents, and we don't want to disappoint them.
When such a wonderful holiday is completely driven by greed then something is wrong. The greatest gift to give this time of year is love. Spending time with family and friends and sharing that love is much greater and certainly more lasting than a PS3. One day something will come along that will make your video game or other gadgets obsolete, but nothing can ever replace the love you give and receive.
I am certainly not down on giving gifts. Giving just has to come from the right place. You must give for the sake of giving not as part of a social contract that allows you to get gifts in return.
I want to share a story that happened to our family a week or so ago. Arica, Braden, and I were standing in line at Walmart. A guy behind us started talking to Braden about Santa. We told him of our failed attempt to take Braden to see Santa, and exchanged other pleasantries.
As I was checking out the man behind me said, "Will you do me a favor?"
I turned around to see him extending his hand with a folded $20 bill in it.
"Put something under the tree for him from a stranger. That way he will know that Santa came."
I was speechless. My mind could in no way grasp what just happened. I tried to gather myself and muttered thank you very much and Merry Christmas. I probably should have refused the money, but I was so stunned that I couldn't function.
Now THAT is the Christmas spirit. THAT is the true spirit of giving. I will remember that nice man for the rest of my life. Can you imagine how wonderful Christmas would be if everyone had that kind of generosity in their heart? I hope you all experience that type of love this year.
Merry Christmas!