Thoughts on Christmas

Okay, so how to start. I've never blogged before but I've heard it can be therapeutic. And I'm in love with reading them so what the heck :)
I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to say to write, so I guess I'll just start with what I've been thinking about the last little while. Christmas. I love Christmas, always have. Everything about it, the food, the music, the weather (well maybe not California's weather haha), the magical feeling that seems to infect everyone and everything one around you. Things just seem better around Christmas. But recently I've been giving it a second look. What exactly is it? Or rather what has it become? It is a holiday that once was a pagan tradition turned birthday of Christ turned lies for children turned who-can-get-the-most-stuff materialistic day. And that got me thinking, why do we need a day set apart for giving? We save up all year and build this magical idea for our children that some man will come and give us what ever our hearts desire. With one requirement, you have to be good. Then that rule, that LIE, is used against kids all year long as a way for parent to get them to behave! What a mess! What a web! I remember when I was a little kid I remember praying to God asking him to tell Santa Clause to bring me what I wanted and to tell him that I was being good. And then when I woke up Christmas morning to find that I didn't get what I wanted, it all of a sudden wasn't only about that little toy anymore, it was about God not loving me enough, not caring. What the heck?! How twisted! Granted I over thought everything when I was little and still do, but that's what lies do! And I'm not saying that having something to believe in is wrong, but teaching your kids the put their faith in something that you KNOW is false?? Seems like a great way to get bit in the butt. Why not teach your children to love? To have charity always? And that if they want something, whether it be a toy or something greater, it's up to them to go get it! No magical man that wears a red coat and has a big white beard is going to bring it to them one morning.  In my opinion if you are inclined to give, do it in that moment. If you want to be charitable, do it right then!! You don't need a day set apart for it! Having worked Christmas' for the past few years in retail and with just observing the people around me, I have seen so much heartache surrounding this holiday that should be about love and family and unity. Parents going into debt, children becoming spoiled, sleepless nights wondering how they are going to get what their children want and may deserve! And I know I sound extremely cynical, especially since this is my first post haha but its more just a thought. And I still LOVE Christmas :)