View Full Version : What does Christmas mean to you?



bandnerd
12-02-2006, 02:25 PM
I know all the traditional reasons to celebrate Christmas...the birth of Jesus, etc...but some of us celebrate the holiday for different reasons.

What exactly does Christmas mean to you?

sweetdaisy
12-02-2006, 02:32 PM
I would love to respond, but for whatever reason, my posts are not making it to the board.

mranderson
12-02-2006, 04:08 PM
It use to mean going to my brothers house and giving him his gift, then to my parents house to gather with the rest of the family.

This year, it will mean giving my girlfriend her gifts, then going to my mom's house and giving her a gift, then coming back home to say a prayer for God to make sure my dad and brother have a nice Christmas in the presence of Jesus.

Within a month, both my dad and brother have died. This Christmas will not be the same... It will be very sad and a bit lonesome because two chairs are empty...

I hope your Christmas is filled with celebration. And think of the losses my family has suffered, and pray for us. That would be a gift that will be quite appreciated.

(Sorry for the sad comments, but like most people at a time like this, I need to say them)

redredwine
12-02-2006, 07:18 PM
OMG!!!!!!!!! Mr. Anderson, that is the sweetest thing, saying a prayer for your brother and your Dad to have a nice Christmas in the presence of Jesus!!! I am so glad you said that. I lost my father in 99 very suddenly to a heart attack. I miss him beyond words, what you said just reintensifies the fact he is not here, and I too should be praying for the same thing.....I hope in time your pain will be lessened, though it takes time, I am still not totally there if ever.

redredwine
12-02-2006, 07:20 PM
Christmas to me mean so many things. Family, giving, magical moments, believing, peace and lots of wine, just kidding!

bandnerd
12-03-2006, 08:22 AM
I guess I should answer my own question.

Since I am not a Christian, Christmas means different things to me. I spend the time reflecting on my life, and those who are a part of my life, and I try to figure out how I can make both my life and their lives better through my actions. I share my time with relatives I don't get to see often due to distance, and I give to those whom I love and cherish. I do not give frivolously, except for the faculty Christmas party where we have dirty Santa. I give from the heart, I take my time finding that gift that makes someone feel like they have been noticed, and appreciated, and that they are special to me.

I think this time of year can bring out the best and worst of people. Some people see it as an opportunity to be a more whole human being, or they can spend it wrapped up in the commercialism of it.

redredwine
12-03-2006, 09:46 AM
What is the commercialism of it? you mean the presents and stuff? I totally agree with you there if that is what you mean. I think you have a very heart felt meaning to Christmas for yourself. You seem to be a very giving person B.N. Do you have kids yet?

bandnerd
12-03-2006, 09:57 AM
Haha no kids, just fur-children ;) Kids aren't in my plan, my husband and I have never really even wanted kids. Even as a kid, I didn't like kids lol. I like teenagers, I like teaching them for an hour and then sending them on their way, but that's about it!

As for the commercialism, yeah, I like giving gifts, but some people take it too far, you know? Plus, they start advertising Christmas before Halloween is even over! One holiday at a time, people! But all the jewelry commercials...only diamonds show love and all that...and the companies telling you that you have to buy this, and this is the hottest toy and your kids MUST have it...yeah, that all bugs me.

I have a friend who is a single mother, and a teacher, so she definitely doesn't have much for herself or her baby. What's going to benefit her more--a dancing elmo, or a gift card to a store where she can buy things she really needs? Or just good old-fashioned cash? Or just knowing that she has a friend that she can consider family halfway across the country? Zales may not agree with me, but I think that some things are more important than things.

Maybe I seem like a giving person because I am a teacher, and all I do all day is give to those students of mine. I give my time, my creativity, everything I have is put into my job and the people involved with it. I don't have much in the way of stuff to give, but my family never did. We considered it to be more important just to be there. Although, I do admit, I always loved the "living room explosion" when mom would put out all the gifts lol. She'd keep them all hidden because her cats would pull the bows off and ruin her hard work and then pull them out Christmas Eve lol.

redredwine
12-03-2006, 10:05 AM
LMAO! about the cats!! I used to work with a girl who did not want kids so she got fixed. I just always wanted kids, even when I was little. My hubby when we met (in 1986) used to say he never liked kids mostly other peoples, but HE wanted 5 of his own, which P.S. I have 3 and he was fixed after the 3rd....I am with you on the before Halloween Christmas stuff, that is just SO insane. THanksgiving is skipped all the time, I just hate that because that is our time to give thanks to whoever for whatever reason, family, work, etc. I think giving of your time and love to someone is equal to any gift and for some children, your time is SO much more valuable. I work at a school with kids who have NOONE and most live in Foster homes, or have just one parent, it is sad. I hug them all, because if I am the one hug they get a day, then I have done my job. Teaching is such a giving profession, you do not get enough recognition.

rxis
12-15-2006, 12:32 PM
a time when your won traditional rituals are practiced to celebrate peace, love, unity, etc.