What Does Christmas Mean to You?
To me it has always meant:
Family
Baking
Friends
Baking
Decorating
Newport Beach Boat Parade
Baking
(Is anybody sensing a theme : ) ?)
It’s my absolute favorite time of the year. I love Christmas. I love getting ready for it. I love celebrating it. I love the time with my family and friends.
These days, Christmas is also about my boys and the delight they take in Christmas, especially the older one who understands more of what Christmas is about.
That has made me think more about what Christmas is truly about?
Is it about the Birth of Jesus?
Is it about family?
Is it about sharing the joys of the season?
Is it about crass commercialism and seeing how much we can consume in a few weeks?
It is this last part that concerns me for my children. I don’t want Christmas to be all about the toys and what’s in it for me? Especially in a time when so many people are suffering from job losses, foreclosures and general economic troubles.
To me this is a lesson for all of us to learn that what we have isn’t as important as who we have in our lives, what we do for them and what we do for the community around us.
For years, Christmas money from our family has been donated to groups who purchase livestock for those truly in need so that they may become more self sufficient. For our larger family, we have done a drawing at Thanksgiving so that each person receives a single present, and we are not buying dozens to add to the “stuff” we already have.
My son and husband and I have had conversations explaining that he should not expect tons of toys this year, that we will be focused on the other aspects of Christmas. It is not that he won’t have new toys to open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; he will.
It’s not that I don’t want him to have the joy of the season, it’s simply that I want him to remember that there are joys other than receiving and that Christmas isn’t all about what Santa is bringing.
So, what does Christmas mean to you? What parts of it are most important to you?
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About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.
Are you upside down in your home? Do you owe more on your Orange County home than it’s worth, and you don’t know what to do? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to discuss your options.
Want to buy a home or to list your property for sale in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach or Orange County? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about our system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.
Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.
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Copyright © 2009 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. What Does Christmas Mean to You?