Santa, what's the meaning of Christmas?

Every Christmas season, without fail, I question the commercialization of the holiday, and wonder why the Christian and secular societies have transformed Christmas so much from what it was originally meant to be. And every Christmas season, without fail, I snuggle on the couch with some hot chocolate and sisters or friends, and watch one of my all-time favorite movies, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Whether it’s the cartoon version from 1966 that warms the heart and reminds me of childhood, or the more modern and ultimately funnier version with Jim Carrey, the movie has a great message for us all. Though there is no specific religious aspect, the Who’s society “coincidentally” mirrors ours. They rush to buy the best present, spend hours fixing the perfect roast beast, work tirelessly to put up the most lights in Whoville, and make sure the Christmas tree is decorated just right. It is a competition for them, not a holiday. Little Cindy Lou Who doesn’t know quite what to make of the madness; it seems she is the only one not entirely swept up in it. When the Grinch “ruins” Christmas and steals the presents and trees and feast, he thinks he has destroyed the Who’s down in Whoville. But no, they wake up on Christmas morning, join together, and sing. “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! ‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.’” This is an idea that everyone today, Christian or not, could take to heart. What would happen if we woke up on December 25th and all our gifts had simply disappeared? What if we didn’t stress for hours about buying the best present ever? What if we spent time with loved ones and gave to those who really needed it? What if, this holiday season, we helped someone whose heart is two sizes too small, instead of thinking of ourselves first? Just a thought.