What does Christmas mean to you?
By shiningstar1
@shiningstar1 (94)
December 22, 2012 4:24pm CST
Hello
I think a nice Christmas would have snow which never ever happens. It only happens in movies and in Christmas card illustrations. If everyone gets on and you are around loving people that you love and care about, it will make it extra special.
A luxurious lifestyle doesn't have to be in materials, it is in the values of people. I see this as more important. I call this "Love Rich" or the "Luxurious Love Lifestyle".
The value of the people in your life is very luxurious indeed. It is good to see the value of others and have gratitude and respect.
What does Christmas mean to you? Many see it as a family thing, some see it as when Jesus was born. How can you know when he was really born though?
Unreligious people may see it as a family gathering and celebrate Santa Claus, a made up person instead.
I am not really religious myself but know how it started (Jesus, so they claim) and don't really celebrate Father Christmas (Santa Claus) either as it isn't about some made up character. Just do a family thing.
From the Christian religion, what do giving away presents represent?
3 people like this
11 responses
@hoseasmate (720)
• United States
23 Dec 12
From my Christian perspective the giving of gifts signifies the greatest gift ever given to mankind and that was the gift of G-d's Son to mankind for their redemption. For me gift giving At Christmas recognizes that act. I think also of family gatherings and seeing those family members one time per year who live too far away. I live in Oklahoma and the forecasters are predicting up to 8 inches of snow in some parts of the state and some snow in all parts of the state starting in the early hours of Christmas morning. I was caught in the 'blizzard' of 2009 trying to get into Oklahoma and couldn't even get in until late Christmas day. My seven year old grandson refused to open presents until his mammie arrived and I fought long and hard to get to that house as soon as I could.
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
I see what you mean about the gift giving.
Wow, Oklahoma sounds cold. I don't know if I'd like it that cold. It is not like that where I am. London has just had rain. Some parts of UK had flooding, but no snow.
8 inches sounds quite cool though. If that happened where I am the whole country stops. No transport goes as no one seems to be able to handle the snow as no equipment. Some people get days off work from snow and schools can shut. I reemmber a year when there was 6 inch snow, no transport. No equipment to get rid of it. I guess cos that thickness doesn't happen often.
1 person likes this
@hoseasmate (720)
• United States
24 Dec 12
We do have sand trucks that will start out as soon as the sleet starts to fall. They will endeavor to cover as much roadway as possible with the sand so that the roads do not become as slick as they can without any sanding. Then the forecasters say that the sleet will turn to snow. I want to stay awake so that I can see it, but it is supposed to come in now about midnight. I'll be way asleep by then!
@berting600 (3453)
• Philippines
22 Dec 12
What is your purpose to know what Christmas in meant to others and so was my opinion on this,when you neither do not BELIEVE in the fundamentals of its functions?Well,as
we already know Christmas was celebrated to honor God,and to the way He was brought to be welcome by the Three Kings,as a sign of Giving Gifts,that is why Christmas is a season of gift giving.The God that we all know teach us all to give love and gifts to all our friends especially to all our Enemies.
@berting600 (3453)
• Philippines
24 Dec 12
As I am a wide reader,and do not like to read much more,I have found out that Christ was born with a certain year of 4 B.C.but no particular month and day was mentioned,yet we have just adopted December 25 as the date of his birth,although some says that it is not the real date.We are just remembering it as the date given by the Catholic church to ensure that it is celebrated every given years to come.I just know that God,who has no name,was the real God.He is the ever loving God,Who was a Jealous God,because he does not wanted us all to worship anything, but only Him,that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
Hello Berting600
I understand what you mean about what you are saying. I do come from a Christian background (been Christened, etc) but have never really been bought up with the religion properly as parents don't seem to be that religious.
Also I was a bit confused by what it is we are celebrating because some people say Jesus wasn't born in the winter but in the Spring or Summer. No one seems to know his real date. Everyone seems to change things that's all so unsure of reliability.
I do believe that something has created us though. I am not saying there is no such thing. So I do celebrate it and am very open.
1 person likes this
@anklesmash (1412)
•
23 Dec 12
To me Christmas is all about spending time with my family.Every Christmas a few family members stop over for a few days and a few more visit on Christmas day itself.For me being able to spend a lot of time with my family who i don't get to see that often is the best thing about chritmas.Being a Christian though I do believe the religious reasons for Christmas are very important.Though if you are non religious I believe spending time with family is a good enough reason on its own to celebrate Christmas.I was also told as a kid that Father Christmas brought my presents on Christmas eve and I would say that Christmas was more exciting when I still believed and a little part of me wishes that I still believed.
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
My parents never did this to me with Father Christmas. They came from parents a bit more religious than them. My parents don't seem to be that religious.
A lot of the family, love and peace stuff I beleive in and think that this is what Christmas represents. Being thankful for what we have is a good thing about it. I have no idea what Santa claus/Father Christmas is all about and why it's done.
@Arieles (2473)
• United States
23 Dec 12
Christmas to me is about family and togetherness. This is the one time of year, everyone can come together and be happy. It's not the giving or the receiving, but being around family and enjoying each others company. Those who have this every year are the richest people on earth.
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
Yes, it is a time to come together I believe that too.
Yes companionship is very important and is something all of us need.
@rhoiena (109)
• Philippines
23 Dec 12
Christmas for me is Simple, Love, Peace and Harmony to all. When I am a kid I thought that Christmas is for all kids in the world. We know that when Christmas is approaching, kids are most excited rather than us. As far as I am concern, Christmas is the season for all of us. It is the time to reunite all family members that so long no communication. It is also the time to remember good things we shared from the past. The laughter and happy memory that never fade from our heart.
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
This sounds very nice. Some adults say it's just for kids don't they? I too, beleive it's for everyone, not just the kids. Everyone plays a part. The kids get presents and are excited by it while adults get together as well as kids getting together and chat together about various things. They see eachother and gives adults a chance to catch up with others they may not have seen for a while.
@soheltitu (2)
• Bangladesh
23 Dec 12
I think christmas day is a day of joy and also a day of gathering family to one place which family members have limited time to gather.This day also bring to us religious spirit.I think this day gives us many ways to intertain myself
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
Hello
Thank you for your reply. Just thinking about it now, I think it could also be a day for love and loving all those around us no matter who they are. I guess it represents a peaceful and loving warm spirit.
One thing I don't get though, why does this love, peace and giving nature for some people only happen during Christmas time? Do you think everyone practices it everyday? If not wonder why they don't. It seems nice and good.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
23 Dec 12
Christmas is the time of year when I can't go grocery-shopping without being bombarded with unwanted Christmas music, a time when many spend money they don't have, to put themselves in debt for most of the following year. A time when little kids are told Santa Claus lies, and Christians are told to give till it hurts!
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
Oh yes, all the stress and hassle of shopping and spending lots of money.
I know what you mean. I have no idea why people make up stories about Santa claus. My parents never did that to me, not once. I always knew he never existed. I guess their parents who were more religious than them never done this so they didn't.
@cupkitties (7421)
• United States
23 Dec 12
To me it is a family day and a day to play with our shiny new toys.
I grew up that it was the day of Jesus birth. Do I know that for sure? Nope, My parents who were very religious also went through the whole ordeal of getting us to believe in Santa.
Quite frankly this doesn't make sense to me. If you are Christian and you believe in the bible. The bible doesn't even allow for Santa. I'm sure people will have their excuses so they can bend things their way, but if you do that, then you're going to have to bend some other rules huh?
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
My parents aren't that religious but never made me believe in Santa. I always knew he was made up. I am a Christian, my parents aren't really religious or do anything related and I know bits and bobs of it but not the whole thing as never really looked in Bible much as never understood it. It never made sense to me.
My parents probably did what their parents did, who were a bit more religious.
Everyone needs some kind of rule bending I guess. For the santa thing I guess your parents thought it would make it more fun? Kind of like the tooth fairy.
@911Ricki (13588)
• Canada
22 Dec 12
Come here we have snow!
I think Christmas is about us being thanksful for what we have, and setting goals for the next year. My family doesnt particularly celebrate Christmas, I normally work it. But I am thankful for what I have, and set myself goals for myself for the following year.
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
Hello Ricki
This sounds very true. Goal setting is very important and is something I am trying to do more of.
@Visdude11 (211)
• Norway
22 Dec 12
In Norway there is a lot of snow :) For me christmas is about getting presents, and give away cheap stuff O_e Haha just joking, but for kids it is about getting the presents most of the time :) In the christian religion, giving away presents represents helping others and care about them. It doesn't neccearly have to be a present, it could be a little favor :)
When it's christmas, I give away free money amounts to the members of my website :) Thats the kind of celbration admin I am.
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
Hi Visdude11
The kids I'm sure love it for all the presents they get.
Those are the fun and excited times for them.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
22 Dec 12
To me xmas is kinda like thanksgiving. Being glad we are all ok, thanks to so many reasons. Im thankful that I got away from a abusive ex husband. Now.. Im thankful he has his life back together. And my son has his dad back. Im alone this xmas holiday, but my friends and family are in my hearts. Merry xmas everyone.
@shiningstar1 (94)
•
23 Dec 12
Hello maria,
It sounds like you have had a bad relationship, sorry to hear that. It's really good that you are now away. It's good everything seems to be working out and everyone seems well. Thank you for your reply.
Merry Xmas.
