What does Christmas mean to YOU?

[uggs-lover]

 I am asking this question for a couple of reasons...

I was raised Episcopalian as a child, and growing up, went to church every Sunday. I did all the youth group activities, went to church camp, etc. I went with the flow, if you know what I mean. I had a really rough time during my teens, and was sent off to reform school. I was at the top of my class, scholastically, and even enjoyed myself there. When I returned home, things didn't go well, and ended up moving out of my parents home at 17. I went through many things, and now is not the time to go into details, but I am left with confusion.

I have been trying to find my place in the world, and mostly I know where that is. I am NOT a Christian, and that is a fact that I am very comfortable with telling you. I am NOT an Atheist either. I am not sure what I am, really. I do know that I am the best person that I feel I can be. I help people every chance I get. I even get taken advantage of on many occasions, and I am ok with that, as long as I know that it helped that person in some sort of fashion.

My original question is based on this.....

I am confused at this whole Christmas thing. People seem to be more grouchy at this time of year, and I am not sure why. It seems that people base this holiday on Christ, so why are people more angry than any other time? People spend oodles of money (that they don't have), and chime all this hoopla. I just don't get it.

I will tell you what Christmas means to me at this very moment. It is a magical time for my children. Baking, laughing...silly Christmas specials on TV, hot chocolate, pictures, coloring, crafts, the magic of Santa, fantasies of seeing him....how fabulous. The magic of the Season means a lot to me. I think that I am even more relaxed during the Season...maybe because I am not spending ridiculous amounts of money that I don't have, and I am not running people off the road, or cursing people out because they took my parking place.

The Season means many things to me, but it has nothing to do with any of the hoopla, I will assure you of that.

Please know that this post has nothing to do with religion, so PLEASE DO NOT GO OFF ON THAT! If it is something that applies in your reply, then reply that that is what it means to you, but please!!!!! NO preaching, ok? My question is very simple.....what does Christmas mean to you?

[kisleboo]

Dec. 17, 2009 at 9:59 PM

Wonderful Journal! The main reason we celebrate Christmas is for Christ ( to be thankful) But it falls in so many categories as well, to be thankful for we has done for us, but also for friends and loved ones =) I love this time of the year, the lights, the smells, the snow :D the hot cocoa! My son and I also enjoy all of the things you and your children do =) We do not send out many gifts, usually a card with a picture, we have a agreement between all of the adults that only the children are bought presents, and they get to help pick out for the other kids as well. (we feel this teaches them how to have a giving heart)  But it is nice not having to stress about buying 15 adults presents...Homemade cookies and a good conversation are great with me! LOL

[uggs-lover]

Dec. 17, 2009 at 11:52 PM

Wonderful!!!! I love it!!!!

(Original Poster)

[parrishsky]

Dec. 18, 2009 at 2:10 PM

It simply means family to me.

[roseisrose]

Dec. 19, 2009 at 10:13 PM

Christmas means to me, celebrating the birth of Christ and also celebrating the joy and love in my family as well. It means going to church, eating a lot of good food, baking with my boys, music, laughter, presents, great holiday movies and making memories during the whole season. :)

And what you said above about what Christmas means to you sounds pretty wonderful to me. ♥ I think you've got a great idea of what the season is to you. And I agree- I've never got [while working many years in retail] why so many people are angry this time of year! Makes no sense! lol

[uggs-lover]

Dec. 19, 2009 at 11:10 PM

Yeh, I got run off the road yesterday by the same woman 3 flippin' times. I actually called the CHP on her, eventually. It was really strange. She was actually chasing me down....very weird!

(Original Poster)