What Christmas means to me...

I have noticed two signs here lately on businesses in my town that really bother me in their arrogance. They are both along the lines of Keep Christ in Christmas because that is what Christmas is all about. Now, I'm sure it's because I've gotten older and have learned that many, many people do not think the way I do but that just seems so narrow minded to me to say that Christmas is only for Christians. Don't get me wrong, I don't think the sentiment is bad necessarily, it just rubs me the wrong way when anyone says that this is the way it is and there is no other way.

I think I have also come to the conclusion that Christmas really isn't about Jesus either. I try to acknowledge the fact that Jesus was born and that he died for me at least once a week if not more. To me, Christmas is about the magic that surrounds this time of year. The anticipation of the gift giving. The kids just knowing without a doubt that Santa will be here on Christmas Eve with their gifts and being with family.

Being a parent, it's hard to figure out what to really teach our children about this holiday. My kids know that Jesus was born on Christmas but I have to say that I've always been very uncomfortable with singing Happy Birthday Jesus and having cake and ice cream like some people I've heard about. They talk more about Santa and what he's gonna bring them and I don't think that's bad. I know for me, when I was little, it was all about Santa. I knew that it was Jesus's birthday but Santa was the main event and I've come to realize this Christmas that what I want more than anything to share with my kids is not the getting of the gifts, it's the excitement, the anticipation and the giving. Which really goes back to what kinds of Christians I want them to be - excited about God, the anticipation of being with Him forever and wanting to give that joy to everyone they know. So....I guess there is way more Jesus in Christmas than I thought!

I know this was confusing but I'm still a work in process and most of the time, this blog reflects whatever I'm trying to sort out in my mind!

Merry Christmas to everyone and I hope that the New Year brings everyone much joy and peace!