Rat Race Running

Christmas is one of the most beloved and awaited holidays for children of all ages, especially in the Philippines.

It is even common knowledge that our country celebrates this particular season the longest. It usually starts as early as September and ends as late as February.

Malls start playing Mariah Carey and Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas songs, and we decorate our houses with trees, lights, and lanterns. We buy gifts for our friends and families, sometimes even spending more than we have.

And with the economy returning to normalcy after the pandemic. We also returned to our regular holiday traditions and spending.

Though our country is primarily a Christian nation, it seems that we often attribute Christmas with the wrong priority. We are more leaning towards our consumerist routines and our desire for social gatherings. Sadly, we often forget and sometimes neglect the real reason behind the season.

Why do we celebrate Christmas?

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Lest we forget, the real reason for Christmas is to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Though we don’t know the actual date, it is still an excellent reminder that Christmas is a celebration for Christ.

There is nothing wrong with giving gifts and spreading love to others. Still, we also need to remember to meditate on this day.

The Consumerist Christmas

The sad part of this holiday is many forget why we celebrate it. Many even shorten the word to Xmas, which removes Christ from Christmas.

We became so busy with decorations, thinking and buying gifts for the occasion, parties and reunions, and other distractions.

Maybe we are just so happy because of all the bonuses that we receive this time of year, and we need to find ways to spend that added money on.

It is even more common to see Santa and his reindeers, lanterns, and Christmas trees that we somehow lose sight of why we celebrate what we celebrate.

Maybe, it is time that we start seeing the holiday season from a simpler point of view.

Related: 10 Holiday Money Tips To Avoid Overspending

Rediscovering Christmas

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

Suppose we strip down the reason for Christmas and return to the bare minimum of how Jesus was born. In that case, we may even be embarrassed by how far we are willing to spend for the occasion.

If we think about it, Jesus was born in a manger (Luke 2:7). No lavish dresses, no fancy food, no parties and all. So, maybe we should try to re-evaluate how we celebrate.

Christmas is more than giving gifts, sharing foods, and enjoying reunions. It is a reminder that God gave His only Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sins and a celebration for the Savior.

Before the merriment, gifts, and laughter, may we still have the time to meditate on His day.

Though we can still do the things that we commonly associate with Christmas, we should never forget that at the beginning of the celebration, we will start with CHRIST.

May each one of us rediscover the real essence of Christmas.