As we grow older the holidays alter as our perception changes. Yet, if we want the holidays to continue to be an important time of the year, it is vital that the youth continue our traditions. In the last 25 years, the Christmas holiday has become overwhelmingly commercialized. It seems that spending money and splurging has become commonplace.

I am not criticizing this as long as good intentions are involved. A common problem that I observe with our youth today is the fact that things come too easily for them nowadays. Information is a click away on a computer. Everyone has a cell phone, nice clothes, nice shoes, and jewellery (bling). There is now a culture of getting a quick fix and not much emphasis on doing things in an efficient way.

Christmas time is a holiday in which the main reason to celebrate is the adoration of Jesus Christ. As Colville Petty mentioned in his article last week, Christmas is derived from the grouping of the masses to celebrate Christ. Yet, over the centuries, Christmas has become associated with Santa Claus, gift giving, parties, food, and fellowship. I remember as a child that we were told that if we did not behave well throughout the year and follow the Ten Commandments everyday, that we would not receive any gifts. We took this very seriously and did our best to comport ourselves well, especially around the beginning of November in an effort to make up for the rest of the year.

From the beginning, I was also taught that Christmas was about family and that it was more important to give than to receive. Moreover, in my family it was emphasized that if you did receive, it was essential to be thankful. This, in a nutshell, is my message to the youth today. I have travelled to many places and I have seen the richest to the poorest countries. During the holidays, I have now developed an overwhelming sense of giving because that it what gives me joy. It is important that our youth enjoy the gifts they receive as it is paramount to enjoy one’s childhood; otherwise there could be negative repercussions in their future. Developing a good balance between giving and receiving should be a keystone of any society.

I wish everyone a relaxing holiday as it is a time to become refreshed and ready to take on the New Year. Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. I am not going to say to my readers with any authority of what the true meaning of Christmas is, as it is subjective to everyone depending on their culture and background. However, no matter where you are from or what you believe, let there be peace on earth and good will to all men!

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