The real meaning of Christmas, the season of good cheer, is about giving especially to provide some assistance to those who need help for their daily survival and who therefore don't have the material resources to enjoy the Christmas season. The importance of giving to those in need during Christmas is embodied in the story of Jesus' birth, which is the reason Christmas is celebrated.
For Christians, Jesus was born to save mankind from sin by giving everlasting Salvation to all who believe in the Word of God and chose to follow the principles for living in the Bible. Jesus therefore gave in the ultimate way - he offered himself as a sacrifice for every living person. Christians therefore believe that Christmas should be about following the example of Jesus by giving of oneself to others, especially to those who are in need.
The Christmas season should therefore be about spreading goodwill and good cheer. This purpose of Christmas is very significant because research by social service organizations has shown that Christmas happens to be a high time for depression among the have-nots, among people with problems and others who just don't have the means and resources to enjoy the merriment of the holidays.
The hundreds of Santa letters written by children are often a sad testament to the many unmet needs of families and individuals during the festive Christmas and holiday times. Just about every child is told the story of Santa Claus, or hears about him because his presence is everywhere at Christmas. And up to the age of 7 to 8 years, most children believe the story about Santa Claus bringing toys and other gifts.
That's the reason why so many young children often write letters to Santa at Christmas time in which the innocently plead for toys and other gifts because their parents or other relatives will not be able to give them those Christmas toys or Christmas gifts that they want.
Thankfully there are many volunteer and charitable efforts carried out by groups and corporations that seek to fulfill the needs of children and also of adults during the Christmas season. One of the most notable organizations that do such charitable work is the Salvation Army, which has a history of giving service to those in need.
According to The Salvation Army's website, the organization as known today was started in 1865 by a Methodist minister, William Booth and his wife Catherine. They formed a group that preached, provided food and shelter to the homeless, the hungry and to alcoholics in need of recovery services. The services were provided in London's East End. Booth and his followers, first known as 'The Christian Mission,' started to use The Salvation Army name in 1878.
The Salvation Army is now uniquely associated with the Christmas season through its many representatives who dress up as Santa Claus and stand outside retail establishments ringing their bells while they kindly seek donations from shoppers to help the poor at Christmas.
Individuals also play Santa Claus at Christmas time and help out those in need by donating toys and gifts through their companies, other business enterprises such as banks or through their local municipality. These groups usually all have a box or an area where new toys or clothing can be dropped off and the items are then donated to families in need or to social service providers for distribution to the needy during the Christmas season.
Along with much charitable giving at Christmas time, other public interest groups also work hard to inform and educate consumers about avoiding the after Christmas blues. This is often experienced in January when the bills and debts are due as a result of all the spending, much of it on credit, that is done for the holidays.
These groups try to spread goodwill and cheer in a different way. They try to provide educational information on spending responsibly during the Christmas season with the hope that the happiness and good feeling enjoyed during the season can also carry over after Christmas and not be spoiled by the burden of having huge bills to pay.
The real meaning of Christmas to many of us goes back to a manger in Bethlehem, where Christ the Lord, the newborn King, was born to ultimately give us the greatest gift of all: Salvation in His name. What an awesome gift for God almighty to send his only son. The birth of the King of Kings is truly the "reason for the season."
We should allow our children to participate in the Christmas school plays and church school plays.
Over the years commercialism has drowned out the true meaning of Christmas. It is up to us as parents to restore Christmas back to its rightful place.
We can start in our own homes with our own families. Family togetherness, unconditional love and goodwill should be the bywords of Christmas.
Stories and pictures about the origins of Christmas should be all around our homes. Our churches should be taking a major role in spreading the true Christmas spirit.
Our church should have many small social activities leading up to one major event that will take place very close to Christmas day.
All families should be required to attend. With a view to inviting another family. The invited family should be a family that does not attend church on a regular basis.
Make sure your children are directly involved in at least one charity event over the holiday. They can donate a toy or even help with a fundraising drive for those less fortunate.
Try not to purchase toys that overwhelm the children. Yes, make sure the toy will make your child feel special. However, that can be done without overkill. Be sure to remind them of the true gift of Christmas which is baby Jesus.
Construct as many gifts as you can with the children. Set aside special time for this. Make a big fuss over the time that is set aside.
Prepare for the time and be sure that you have all the tools necessary for a successful time.
Working with the children on the different Christmas crafts and cards reinforces in their minds the significance of the season.
The families who do not go to church can still do so much to instill in the minds of their children the Christmas spirit.
Make the Christmas tree the center of the living room. Take the time to downgrade the television set. If you must, watch television only at certain times. Then turn it off. Watch Christmas programs only.
If you are serious about resurrecting the spirit of Christmas then the focus must be on family and the things that a family does together. Purchase books about Christmas in other faraway countries.
Your children will gain an understanding and respect for different cultures and their traditions. Christmas is not just celebrated in their corner of the world.
Show them that it is a world wide celebration. Set a night or two aside for a drive to see the lights. That is always fun.
Try your level best to include grandma and grandpa in the family outings. Children just love when grandparents tell stories of their childhood.
You are building memories for your children and for your entire family. Grandparents coming to stay at the house for the holidays? Put the children in charge of decorating the spare bedroom for their grandparents.
Above all take the time to let the children know that the Christmas spirit should not be displayed only in December.
Show them by your example as loving and caring parents that the Christmas spirit of love and joy should be spread throughout the year.
Both Don Alexander & Wycliffe Williams are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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