Has Christmas become a time when we measure the depth of love by the price of the gifts we receive? Has the world not changed at all? Could this be just my perception of it? Maybe now that my own children have grown up and gone on to live their own lives, I’ve lost that child inside. If so, it is my own fault. I let my child inside go and didn't even know it.
Why don't we say "Merry Christmas" much anymore? Is it for the same reason that children can’t say a prayer in schools these days? For the same reason that schools call Christmas vacation, "Winter Break" now? Is it for the same reason that many cities are reluctant to put up Christmas decorations? Christmas is a Christian tradition, that’s for sure, but, the true Spirit of Christmas should be embraced by all people everywhere, regardless of religious beliefs or lack of them. Peace on Earth, goodwill, joy, charity, kindness, generosity and love are all part of the Spirit of Christmas. What kind of person would be offended by these? Are these not the best and highest expressions of humanity?
We cannot blame the ones who do not observe Christmas for making it the glittering commercial frenzy it now appears to be. Rather, it is those of us who embrace it who must shoulder the blame, if that is in fact the correct word. If it has become a commercialized “bling bling” holiday, maybe it is time we look inside ourselves. Are we reluctant to say "Merry Christmas" because we let the Spirit of Christmas get lost in the shuffle of the holiday rush? Are we are embarrassed about what we, ourselves, the ones who embrace the glitziness, have done to Christmas?
Perhaps many of us have lost the child inside and that magical innocence and wide-eyed wonder that can only be felt when you find that child inside. It's true that only when we find that child can we experience the joy of giving for the sake of giving… that happiness of giving from the heart and giving because we want to give. Giving, not because it is expected of us, but giving because it is the true Spirit of the Season we call Christmas. Giving without expecting anything in return is truly giving with the heart and spirit of a child.
This year, I am going to try hard to find that child inside. I am going seek the true Spirit of Christmas and let it shine in my life. When I greet people I’m going to smile and say "Merry Christmas" and mean it. It's not just a Christian tradition, but a deep and beautiful Spirit that transcends all of humankind. Christmas is more than a holiday or religious celebration. Christmas embodies the spirit of love, peace, joy, hope, and compassion. Indeed the very best inside each one of us and it is in each one of us if we find that child inside.
I hope that all of you will find your own "child inside". If you do, the Spirit of Christmas will always shine within you. With a child's heart you can be a messenger for the real Christmas.
No matter what you give this Christmas, the one gift that matters most, is the one that you cannot buy. This Christmas, give the greatest gift of all. Give the gift of love.
…from ALL OF US here at the CrocTalk Zoo
Merry Christmas to all who believe in Peace on Earth!
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