Christmas: Rediscovering Its True Meaning in an Age of Abundance
The Holiday of Overabundance
Every year, the holiday season rolls around, bringing with it the familiar hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, decorations, and endless gift exchanges. But over the years, something has shifted. Christmas is no longer just about celebrating the birth of our Savior—it has become, for many, a whirlwind of consumerism. We live in an age where material possessions abound, and the pressure to buy the "perfect" gift for every loved one can sometimes overshadow the true spirit of the season. It feels like everyone has everything they could ever want—and more. Gifts have reached new heights. Personalized cups, blankets, socks, jewelry—if you can dream it up, you can buy it with a name or a custom message on it. Don’t get me wrong, I love my personalized coffee mug, cozy blanket, and playing cards just as much as the next person. But at what cost?
I’ve noticed shifts not only in society but also in my own heart. As a child, Christmas was all about the one perfect gift that I so desperately wanted. Would Santa come through this year? I eagerly anticipated Christmas morning, wondering if I’d finally receive that one thing I had hoped for. I remember the excitement of traveling to my grandparents’ house, where the abundance of gifts was on full display. It wasn’t just about the gifts themselves; it was the whole experience. Who was going to play Santa? As we sat around the tree, waiting for each gift to be called by name, the anticipation and joy were overwhelming. Gifts were the center of it all.
But as I entered my teen years, something else started to tug at my heart. While gifts still had their place in my thoughts, it was the simpler, more meaningful traditions that I began to long for—like the cookies my great-grandmother would bake for the whole family. They weren’t just cookies; they were the embodiment of family, love, and the warmth of shared memories. I started to realize that there was more to Christmas than just presents. There was an undercurrent of love, of togetherness, that couldn’t be wrapped in shiny paper or tied with a bow.
As a single mother now, with three daughters of my own, I see the same excitement in their eyes—the same focus on gifts and the magic of Christmas morning. I understand their joy because I once felt the same way. But as I grow in my faith, my heart has begun to shift. Christmas is no longer just about the material gifts; it’s about something far more profound: the birth of Jesus, our Savior, who came to save us from our own sinful ways and self-destructive tendencies. God so loved the world that He sent His Son, Jesus, to save us. That love—God’s perfect love—is what saved me. It’s what made me realize that I don’t know everything, and that Jesus is the perfect example of love, trust, and goodness. He is my Savior, and His life and teachings have completely changed my heart and my view of the world. It’s a humbling realization, one that often gets lost behind the noise of consumerism and holiday rush.
The Pressure of Perfecting Christmas: A Social Media Trap
In today’s world, where everything is curated for social media, the pressure to present a perfect Christmas is immense. We’re constantly shown snapshots of beautifully decorated homes, perfectly wrapped gifts, and flawless family moments. It’s easy to get caught in that cycle of comparison, wondering why our Christmases don’t look as polished or perfect as the ones we see online.
As a single mother, the pressure to “perfect” Christmas can feel overwhelming, especially when I compare myself to other families. There’s this constant nagging feeling that I’m not doing enough for my girls—whether it’s not being able to give them as many gifts as other parents or not buying a Starbucks every time we leave the house, like I see so often in social media posts. I see the perfect family outings, the cozy moments, and the joy of a million little extras, and I can’t help but feel less than. The constant bombardment of holiday advertisements, the images of families sipping on festive drinks while they view Christmas lights, only fuels my insecurities. It’s hard not to let those comparisons sneak in, making me feel like I’m failing because I can’t give my kids the same experiences. It’s my own rotten insecurities that often get in the way of enjoying the true beauty of the season—the quiet moments, the joy of just being together, and the reminder that the best gifts can’t be bought. I found myself just last night making hot coco to put in a thermos and packing a bag of mini marshmallows so we could sip on a fancy drink as we watched a light show that we have seen 100 times. I need to remind myself that Christmas isn’t about keeping up with the world’s standards; it’s about giving what I can, in love and sincerity, and making the season meaningful in my own imperfect way.
In the midst of all my personal insecurities, I want my daughters to have a magical holiday experience. I also want them to understand the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a struggle, especially when Santa and presents often overshadow the birth of Christ in our celebrations. I’ve found myself grappling with how to keep Jesus at the center of Christmas without completely dismissing the fun of Santa, presents, and the traditions that come with them. It’s a delicate balance, one that I’m still figuring out, but I know it’s a journey worth taking.
Eight years ago, I came to Christ. That moment marked a turning point in my life, one where my focus shifted from worldly pursuits to a life centered in Christ. This transformation has been profound, but it’s also been challenging—especially when it comes to how I celebrate holidays like Christmas. How do I make Christ the true center of our celebrations while still allowing the joy of Santa and gifts to fill our home? How do I show my daughters that Christmas is about more than materialism, yet still allow them to enjoy the “magic” of the season?
The True Meaning of Christmas: A Call to Give, Not to Get
As my faith grows, so does my understanding of what Christmas is truly about. Christmas is about Jesus—His birth, His love, His sacrifice for humanity. It’s about the greatest gift ever given: God’s love and grace freely offered to us through Christ. This year, I’m more committed than ever to ensuring that my home reflects that truth, but it’s not easy. I pray that as the years come and go, that Christ becomes front and center. The temptation to focus on the decorations, the gifts, the perfect family moments can be overwhelming, but I’m learning to take a step back and refocus on the heart of the season.
When I reflect on our Christmas traditions, I can’t help but ask myself, "Why do we do these things?" These traditions—big or small—hold so much more significance.
Why do we bake cookies for everyone in our neighborhood?
Baking cookies is an act of love and hospitality. Just as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors and to serve others, baking cookies for friends and family is a way to share the love of Christ. It’s a simple way to bless others, to remind them that they are loved and appreciated. As we bake, I pray that the joy and warmth of Christ’s love will be felt through each sweet gesture.
Why are we making gifts this year?
Homemade gifts come straight from the heart. Just as God gave the ultimate gift of His Son, we are called to give gifts that reflect love, thoughtfulness, and care. By making gifts, we focus on the true meaning of giving—sacrificing our time, talents, and love for others. It’s about the heart behind the gift.
Why do I pray over the gifts we make?
We pray over the gifts we make because it’s an opportunity to invite God into every part of our holiday. Prayer allows me to focus on the deeper meaning of the season and to ask God to bless the gifts we give. It’s a reminder that everything we do—every act of giving, every moment of joy—is a reflection of Christ’s love for us.
Why do we go sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what we want?
I know this one might seem a bit crazy, but it’s a tradition that my children love! Santa represents the joy and wonder of the season, reminding us that there’s magic in believing. While we know the real focus is on Jesus, there’s no harm in enjoying the playful side of Christmas. It reminds my children to dream and to understand that there is hope and goodness in the world, just as Christ brought hope into the world.
As a mother, I want my daughters to see that Christmas is about showing love to others, about kindness, and the example of Christ we set for others is what truly matters. That’s why I’m committed to making Christ the center of our home this holiday season, even as we continue to enjoy the fun of traditions like Santa and gift-giving. I want to create a home that reflects Christ’s love and grace, where the true meaning of Christmas is celebrated, and the beauty of simplicity and love fills the air.
When my children make something for me with their little hands—whether it’s a picture they’ve colored or a small handmade ornament—I see the love behind it. And it’s this kind of giving that reflects the true heart of Christmas. It’s not about how many gifts we receive or give, but about the love that fills those moments. The greatest gift we’ve ever been given is Jesus, and that’s the gift I want to instill in my daughters, above all else.
Looking to Christ’s Example
I look to Christ as my guide, and in Him, I find peace. The shift in my heart from abundance to a focus on His love has been transformative. The struggle is real, and the challenge of balancing the world’s expectations with my faith is ongoing. But my hope is that my daughters and I can find a way to celebrate Christmas in a way that honors Christ first and foremost—while still embracing the joy and fun of the season.
Christmas is about love, grace, and the ultimate gift that Jesus gave to all of us. My prayer this year is that I can teach my daughters the true meaning of Christmas, not just through my words but through my actions and the example I set. Christmas is a time to reflect on God’s love for us and to share that love with others. And no matter how many presents are under the tree, it’s that love, above all, that makes this season truly magical.
