‘Christmas’ means many different things to many different people, but traditionally, Christmas is a religious holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, and many people today still choose to attend a church service at this time of the year. The Christmas that many Australian's celebrate today is one that includes family celebrations, Christmas songs, and the giving of gifts. A tradition largely influenced by Charles Dickens novella ‘A Christmas Carol’, which he wrote in 1843.
I feel that many people today have forgotten what the true meaning of Christmas is, and that is to spend more time with family, friends and loved ones, in showing gratitude, in loving and sharing, and in making people happy. All over the world at Christmas time people get to spend time with their family and friends, no matter how the festivities are carried out. Christmas Day, for many families, is that one time of the year when everyone gets together. It's a time of the year for family reunions, for family bonding, for strengthening relationships and renewing friendships, for exchanging gifts, and for going on holidays.
The most important thing about Christmas time for me is the joy in knowing that the best gifts of Christmas cannot be wrapped, and certainly cannot be bought. The best things about Christmas to me are the incredible gifts of hope, joy, peace, and love that I get to share with those who are closest to my heart…My Family. Christmas to me is about our family remembering where we have been and how far we have come, and in the dreaming of where our future will lead us. A time where we exercise deep gratitude for all that we have been blessed with and given, and a time to delight in all the small, magical moments that this magical season has brought to us.
And lastly, the true meaning of Christmas, the really best, and most greatest gift of all at Christmas time for me…the gift of LOVE. To love, and to be loved. That's the greatest gift of all.
Merry Christmas with lots of love xxx
