There are only four days until Christmas, and that's certainly something to be excited about. I have my pretty artificial pine in the living room with boxes aplenty lying beneath it. One of those boxes contains a PS3 for my brother and me, and I'm really looking forward to some gaming over break.
But is that what Christmas is all about? Despite what the commercials may tell us, the answer is no. Just watch A Charlie Brown Christmas is you haven't done so already. (And even if you have seen it recently, it can't hurt to rewatch it.) You should be very familiar with Linus's famous speech toward the end of the cartoon:
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them,
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
So there you have it, Charlie Brown. That's the true meaning of Christmas."
Had this special been made more recently, the creators would be afraid to include these quotes from the Bible out of fear of political incorrectness, but why should it be a problem for a character to tell the truth? News flash, people: Christmas is about Jesus. I mean, hello! The first six letters spell out "Christ." I'm not saying that everyone has to be a Christian - my dad is Jewish, so obviously I'm not someone who is prejudiced against those with different religious beliefs - but claiming that a Christian holiday is anything but just that is completely wrong.
And as for those of you who aren't Christian, don't think that's any excuse to make this season all about greed. There is nothing wrong with getting psyched about the gifts you receive, but be sure to give gifts as well. It doesn't even have to be a material present; kindness, respect, helpfulness, and love are all gifts in their own right. Spend some time with your loved ones. Bake some cookies. Sing some carols. What you give to others is what makes Christmas what it is.
That said, happy holidays to anyone who is actually reading this. Pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate (preferably with marshmallows), and enjoy your life! :)
