The Spirit of Christmas

It is believed that during the Christmas season we forgive people who have brought us pain, we make peace with our enemies and we become better persons for others.

Life is not always happy. We face challenges and problems most of the time. We are always challenged. But the important thing with this is that we learn how to value each other more, understand one’s limitations and weaknesses, and be better persons. Christmas teaches us to value simple things in life and the people who have been there for us through thick and thin. I guess Christmas will always be about the simple values we learn in life that we need to practice.

Forgiveness, love, trust, peace and unity are very important in today’s world. They are vital for the society to become more productive. We need to see that our life here on earth is only lived once so we have to live it to the fullest. Let us not have hesitations. Let us live happy and contented lives. I fondly remember my good friend Melody (Gersbach) who died before the Miss Universe pageant. She had her whole life ahead of her. She was a naturally-gifted woman. I’ve always wondered if there were things in life she had not done; things that could have made her life happier. I will always be grateful to her teachings because I became more determined to fulfill my dreams. With Melody’s story, I think we need to give more value to the people in our lives because we might not be given another chance to tell them and show them how much we love them.

Sometimes situations confront us and we hastily make decisions that could either make or break us. But we need to see beyond every problem so that we can emerge victorious in the end. We should also recognize people who have done something for us. We may forget their names but we will never forget what they have done for us; even the simplest things they have shown us. Just like the person we see before we close our eyes to undergo an operation is the same person we see when we regain consciousness. The person who has cried every tear in every heartbreak and failure we have faced in our lives. The person who has remained awake with us when we cannot sleep. The person who has amazed us with his talent and determination. The person who has the courage to hold our hands even if he or she feels deep pain with our rush of blood. We may not remember them anymore but what they have done will always remain in us.

Perhaps this is what Christmas is all about. It is not about the gifts we open, the food we eat nor the games we play but it is about the special things we share with others and the society. It reminds us of the values we need to follow to become better citizens. We should not have regrets because our lives are perfectly planned and we have to enjoy every minute of it. Above all, Christmas is about love. In our own simple way, let us make others feel loved and cared for. We are also given the chance to be happy.

I hope even with the passing of the Yuletide season, we will still be generous, loving and caring because we celebrate Christmas every day.