Grumpy, Grumpy ... maybe I need a nap!

When did we lose the real meaning of Christmas? When I was growing up, Christmas was commercialized but the main reason for the holiday was still in the forefront. Nativity scenes could be seen everywhere, mistletoe was hanging over doorways, everyone acted a little nicer, and it was about getting closer to the family.

Christmas is about spreading joy to the less fortunate, being extra kind to those around you, and sharing your blessings with friends and neighbors. It’s not about what you buy. Corporate America tries it’s hardest to get us worked up about the latest things. Every message we are sent focuses on what we have, not what we hope; what we buy, not what we believe; what we spend, not what we share. It is easy to lose track of what's really important. Family. Faith. Friendship.

For those who want to debate the origin of Christmas, here is the truth: The Christmas season is a combination of Christian (Roman Catholic) and Pagan winter celebrations. It incorporates Christian religious ceremonies (the event that fills us with so much joy and gladness that we celebrate it each year, with more attention than for any other event; it is the entrance of Jesus Christ into our world. It is the living proof that, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" -John 3:16) with the traditions of ancient winter festivals such as Yule (the winter solstice celebration of the Germanic pagans) and Saturnalia (the feast at which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn). What emerged after Constantine came into power were religions that had borrowed some rituals and incorporated holidays from each other’s cultures.

The real meaning of Christmas is being lost by groups on the left who think it is 100% pagan and groups on the right that believe it’s 100% religious. It is a weaving of both and therefore both need to be observed. If someone is so easily offended by a Nativity scene or a Star of David or even a Kwanzaa wreath, they should be ridiculed as ignorant and intolerant and be sent on their way!

Christmas is a time to find someone less fortunate than you and give a gift from your heart. It is a time to be with your family. It is a time to reconnect or repair friendships, to give your fellow man a smile and wish them Merry Christmas and if they get offended, they’ll get over it. The changes start with one person and snowball from there. Be that one person who breaks from the norm and remembers what the season is really all about. In the end, it doesn't really matter what you do to have a more spiritual holiday; only that you do something.

As you can see, I'm still looking for my Christmas spirit today.