by Sandra Piddock

Created on: November 14, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2012

Christmas is certainly becoming too commercialised, particularly in the United Kingdom and North America. In Spain and several other countries in Europe, Christmas preparations begin around  the middle of December. The reason for this is that Spain, being a Catholic country, views Christmas as a time to celebrate the nativity. This is evident in the 'Belens' - huge representations of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth - which appear in every town, village and city.

Christmas is meant to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus, not a massive Spendfest and Cookfest that starts midway through September. There's nothing wrong with giving presents, and if you want to splash out, that's fine. It is, after all, a time of celebration, and everyone likes to give gifts and cook special meals in order to enjoy the celebrations to the full.

Just don't get  into so much debt that it takes you until next October to pay for this Christmas. You don't need that burden to take into the New Year.  Christmas is, above all, a time for families, because it's a time to remember the creation of the Holy Family. Therefore it is much more important that you spend time with your child as a family. He doesn't need the latest Nintendo game in his stocking. He may want it, but that's not the same. What he really needs is the undivided attention of his parents and extended family. Time to just be together with no outside pressures or deadlines.

The Nintendo game is just a bonus, and something else will replace it next year. But you can never replace the feeling of warmth and security that comes from being part of a close family and knowing that you are loved, despite or maybe because of your faults. You don't need to be particularly religious to appreciate this, although for many families the religious significance of Christmas adds an extra dimension to the precious time spent with their loved ones.

The greatest gift you can give to your loved ones costs nothing. Give of yourself, enjoy your time with your family, but also remember to give thanks that another family made it against all the odds so very long ago. Somewhere in your busy Christmas schedule, take time out to remember why - 2000 years after the event - the birth of a baby boy is still celebrated around the world.

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