What Is Christmas?

Christmas, like other significant religious celebrations, is a time for reflection:
on our lives, the personal and professional relationships we nurture,
and the support and assistance we offer freely to others without expectation.

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In many parts of the world this is Christmas time. We all know its trees, gifts, food with family members and friends and sometimes, imbibing a little too much. Sometimes it’s a snowman and in other places, beaches and barbecues.

When you stop and think, is that really what Christmas is all about? Take a moment to step back and examine the whole concept. Ask yourself this question, “What exactly is Christmas”?

I see this time of the year as a period for reflection. In the Christian calendar, it primarily means a time to think on the life of Jesus Christ and the impact he had and continues to have on our lives, as we endeavour to live to the best standards possible.

When we embrace positive feelings and emotions it makes us feel good inside and we are more likely to play that forward to others who might not be doing so well. Sadly, there are too many people in the world who are not in a position to fully embrace the meaning of Christmas.

That implies they might be alone; no love and support from family members and friends. Perhaps they don’t have enough to eat. These are the poor individuals who live on the fringes: Or do they?

On just about any street, in any suburb in any country in the world, there are always people who are lonely. They could be a neighbour who puts on a smile every time you meet. Inside, they could be completely empty and alone.

These people often don’t have the money to celebrate anything significant. They have daily challenges to nourish and clothe themselves and their families.

There have been years when I’ve not wanted to celebrate Christmas. I felt empty and insignificant. Life wasn’t a bag of smiles and I had many challenges in my life. I just wanted the whole thing to pass as quickly and quietly as possible.

In fact, I really wanted to hide away from the world. I was like the Grinch and I hoped that by some miracle, Christmas would be cancelled. I have no doubt this occurs in the lives of many people.

The difference was that I had a good support mechanism and people I know loved and supported me through those difficult times. With that help, I was able to pull myself out of the doldrums and move forward with greater purpose.

You might know of people in your neighbourhood who are suffering. Many do it in silence and cover their problems with a smile and a kind word. Be alert for people who may be having issues. Reach out to them.

Christmas is the ideal time to offer a helping hand and a kind word to someone. It’s a time of compassion and generosity: A time of respect, faith and hope. It’s an ideal time to give aid to others who are vulnerable.

You might know of a neighbor who is struggling. They might be elderly. They might just be lonely and in need of a kind word, a smile and a warm hug. Whatever the reason, give some support and assistance to people who are in need of a little tender loving care.

Even if you’re not of the Christian faith or a believer in the whole concept of Christmas, it is nevertheless a time to build bridges with others. Reach out a helping hand and a pair of loving arms to someone. Look over the fence or up the street. There will always be people who require some kind of assistance.

Perhaps make room at your table for a neighbor or buy a small gift for someone. Give a few dollars to a homeless person for a meal, along with a warm smile and a kind word. The richness from giving is reflected in the great feelings of joy and satisfaction from knowing you’re doing something special for someone. You may even be saving a life.

Irrespective of who you are or what your beliefs might be, I wish each and every one of you a very happy, safe and contented Christmas. There are many other parallel celebrations of faith around the world. Whatever you do and wherever you are, be safe, happy and loved. Take the time to think of the welfare of others.

As you reach out, the amount of the offering is immaterial. The love and warmth attached is immeasurable. As you help to improve the lives of others, you’re also being an extraordinary force for good in the global community.

Imagine the possibilities …

Photo—John Stratford/Flickr