What Christmas Means to Me?

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All of my Christmas are memorable to me and I cherish them especially now that I am on my mid life and getting my turn to head family gatherings and an active community leader. But there was one Christmas, I shall never forget and has become one of 'the guiding point of my Christian life' and how I anticipate every Christmas of my life. I have already replied to a related discussion a few days ago about my experience but I would like to share them to you guys just to put some inspiration about the true meaning of the Christmas season. We had this annual tradition of 'Misa de Gallo' - the early morning mass celebrated by the Catholic church 9 days until Christmas eve. I was too lazy getting up because it's really too early for a chubby little kid like me. But my grandmother was too pushy and I was obliged to wake up and accompany her to the church. I asked out of curiosity why we need to have such ordeal. My grandmother replied, "I thought you wanted a beautiful doll this Christmas? Then you have to complete the 9 days of early morning mass to asked baby Jesus. It's a little sacrifice for what your really wanted little girl." Although still confused, I went with delight and completed the traditional mass. My grandmother died when I was on my 6th grade but she left me a legacy on what Christmas means to me. Not because I need to sacrifice 9 days to get what I wished for. Not because I will attend an early morning mass to do my Christian duties. Not because my grandmother wished for. Not because I will have a gift nor I will give gifts. Not because there were 'Holydays' without work and and so many countless reasons. Christmas as I grew older becomes a day to celebrate the birth of the most important person in our lives - Jesus. Whatever traditions we have be it the 9 early morning mass for the Catholics or any tradition related to the birth of our Lord, they were not sacrifices but preparation for the grand celebration of the birth of our one and only Savior. Every Christmas, how many of us remembers with LOVE to greet Him 'Happy Birthday dear Jesus!' while we exchange gifts with our families and friends. How many remembers greeting each and everyone 'Merry Christmas to you' and think that the phrase means 'I am so delighted to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ with you.' and that the gifts you are giving or receiving is really not for you but for the baby Jesus Christ. Just like the 3 Wise Kings that greeted the baby born in a stable amongst the animals and shepherds without the luxury of anything. The simplicity of the child, the sacrifice of his parents and the people that seek Him just to greet and see Him. How many of us taught this meaning to our own families? Although some of us do not celebrate Christmas and/or does not believe on the 'symbolic' date Dec. 25 as the birth of our Lord, but honestly have you thought at 'least' once a year to remember the birth of the Lord. What does His birth means to you? Do you remember greeting Him at least 'once a year' just like us ordinary people greeting each and everyone of us during our birthdays?