But I also know that this is a hard time of the year for a lot of people. A lot of people I know have been through a very hard year. They’ve lost jobs, they’ve suffered through ill health, and some people have lost family members this year. So as I count my own blessings, I think about friends that may not be in the same frame of mind that I am.
A year ago a few people I knew I had lost their jobs or were struggling with the knowledge that their own job may not last too much longer. But this year more and more people I know have lost their jobs. They may be struggling this year trying to provide a Christmas for their family.
But I would like to take a moment and remind you that Christmas is more than just things. Yes if you have small, school-age children in your home, I can see the necessity of providing some sort of present. After all the Santa part of Christmas really is for children. But as for adults or teen age children I think its important to remember that people are what matters most. Families and friends, and relationships.
In our family the youngest is 19 and Santa has been long gone for awhile. In the past we have drawn names or had a Chinese Christmas party. But this year we decided to fore go the gift exchange and just spend the day enjoying each others companionship. We are fortunate that all of us have jobs, a roof over our head, and are generally in pretty good health. But more importantly we have each other. We can depend on each other. We are there for each other.
So as Christmas day approaches and maybe you are wishing you could provide a little “more” for you family, just remember that Christmas really is about family. If you have someone that loves you, all they really need is your time and attention.