Keeping the True Spirit of Christmas Alive

Growing up, I remember the excitement of the department store toy catalog showing up in the mail around Thanksgiving. The abundance of toy commercials on TV during Saturday morning cartoons. But, that was the extent of commercialism around the holiday season.

With the increase of social media and streaming TV services, I feel like my life is constantly bombarded during the holiday season. Buy this hot toy for your kids! This new decoration is a must buy! Christmas won’t be the same without XYZ in your house/on your table/under the tree.

As much as I would like to shield my children from this over commercialism, it’s impossible. They see it in the ads we receive in the mail. They hear it on the radio. They see it in the store when we go grocery shopping. Every single commercial on any child geared towards children is a cacophony of colors and noise, holding their attention better than any show, and full of the latest toys. Each commercial is followed with a chorus of “I want that!” from both of my sons.

I’ve had multiple conversations with my sons (specifically my older son, who is six) around not asking for everything, but really thinking about what they want. And helping them understand that even if they really want something, there is no guarantee they will get it. I try to focus on the non-commercial characteristics of the Christmas season. For my family, those are quality family time, kindness, love, and faith in something greater than us.

Even with all the conversations, I worry that the true spirit of Christmas will be lost on them. However, my sons are a constant surprise to me. On the way home from school last week, my oldest stated, “I know what Christmas is really about.” Cautiously I asked him to elaborate. His response was simple and made my week.

“Mom, Christmas is about family and time together.”

May we all remember that this holiday season.

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