A blog to reflect the “modern Christmas”. The phrase makes you wince just a wee bit doesn’t it. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be much “Christmas” about the modern version.

Commercialised to the point where some people have washed their hands of the entire Season. Anti-Christmas sites (and blogs too no doubt) are easily searched on the Web. Mention Christmas to 20 different people before November 1st and watch the range of negative sentiment pour out. Mention it 24 hours before The Day and I’ll bet you dollars to doughnuts, you’ll get at least a few rolling eyes, great sighs and the distinct impression that someone is counting the hours til New Years Day.

So, dear reader, at first glance, there doesn’t appear to be much “Christ” in “Christmas” any more. Except as a profanity.

But I would put suggest to you that Christmas is like anything else in Life. Exactly what you make of it. Human beings are both blessed and cursed with forward thinking brains. Life isn’t lived by committee. While everyone is entitled to an opinion, including the retail sector who, it would seem, thinks its sound business practice to base your business plan largely on the profits of the last quarter of the year, that doesn’t mean you have to do anything but smile and nod.

Christmas, modern or otherwise, hasn’t a blessed thing to do with commerce. Its a celebration of faith, hope and salvation. Oh, there’s no harm in tarting it up with a bit of over-eating, sometimes questionable decorating taste and a dash of budget busting. But keep in mind there’s no obligation!

To those who say the modern Christmas is a farce, I say, be audacious enough to take it back. Back to their hearts and out of their wallets. You want the True Spirit of Christmas? Go volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen during the Holidays. Take your family with you. Let them see how the gift of time is something that can’t be advertised on prime time tv. Give the wad of cash you complain you “have” to spend this year to a charity instead. And don’t use the receipt next tax time. Take your Christmas dinner to that neighbour who seems to be struggling. Open your home and your heart to those who are as poor as the Christ Child ever was in that barren stable.

The modern Christmas is every bit as meaningful and wonderous as that first one, so long ago. So long as your mind and your heart are in the same place.

Welcome Christmas, come this way!  Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp!