Christmas has become a very commercial holiday. Rushing around to buy presents, people tend to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Aside from decorating the house, purchasing gifts, partying and food preparation, there are other fun ways to celebrate that reflect the true meaning of the holiday.

Here are some fun things you can try:-
1. Reflect on the reason for Christmas by doing some research. In the Bible, you can find the Christmas story in the Gospel according to Luke, Chapters 1 and 2, as well as the Gospel according to Matthew Chapters 1 and 2. Consider reading these chapters aloud as part of your family's holiday.
2. Choose some activities that you and your friends or family will enjoy - which fit with the meaning of Christmas and are also socially enjoyable. Consider preparing some special foods for the poor and needy, as well as giving gifts to people you know.

3. Spend time with others to celebrate. Gather together at the homes of friends and family, and spend some time in fellowship with others who believe as you do during this special time.

4. Wish others a Merry Christmas. You don't have to worry that you will offend them. Wishing others a Merry Christmas helps spread the cheer.

5. Give to others. Whether to your family and friends, or to others less fortunate, spend some time this Christmas in giving. We give in remembrance of the gifts of the Magi to the Saviour, but at the very heart of it all, recall that we are to give because He first gave to us.

6. Spend time quietly being thankful for the gift of Jesus to the world that we celebrate on Christmas. This is the day that Christians have set aside to celebrate the beginning of the greatest gift mankind has ever received. Coming into the Christmas season with a grateful heart is essential if you really want to make the extension from Jesus' giving of His amazing gift to your giving and receiving.

7. Invite God to come and celebrate the day with you. Some people choose to do this by attending a Christmas Service either at Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning. Some do it by sitting before the Christmas tree and silently inviting God to just be with them. However you decide to do it, making God a part of your day is vital.

8. Spread Cheer. When you hear Christmas songs, instead of being grumpy, smile, sing or whistle along. Being cheerful during the Christmas season really will help in spreading Christmas spirit to those around you, plus it helps you enjoy it more.

9. Have a Sing-Along. Either at your home, or go serenading - door to door, or go to an old folks' home and do it. Learn some Christmas or seasonal songs, and sing! It's fun, and even if your voice isn't great, hopefully, you won't be singing alone - you'll get some cover from your more talented friends!

10. Do Generous Work. This is in the spirit of spreading joy, kindness and beauty during the Christmas season. Maybe you can volunteer at a church or at one of our senior citizens’ homes, or maybe you could help with a toy drive or food drive for those who have less than you do.

11. Invite your friends or family over for dinner. You don't have to spend lots of money on gifts - small tokens are fine. Or just have everyone over for a nice dinner. Make it a potluck (by asking everyone to bring a dish) if you want to keep expenses (and workload) manageable. The important thing is just to get together with people you love and make the holiday a fun time by sharing with them.

Remember – Jesus is the reason for the season. It is better to give than receive.

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