Christmas... what's it all about?

This is my first Christmas as a Christian and I have really been looking forward to it because of that. I have always known Christmas was all about Baby Jesus coming and how he grew up to be the Saviour of all mankind. It has always meant more to me than giving presents, but now I believe in my heart of hearts that Christmas story is 100% fact.

It was something my housemate said about Christmas that's prompted me to write about it. I was talking to him about Oxfam's buy-someone-a-goat presents for the times when you don't know what to buy for someone. For anyone who doesn't know, they're present for people in poorer countries so you're effectively giving a donation on your relative's/friend's behalf and showing them where it's gone.

Anyway, we were talking about that and he told me about his girlfriend's parents who have to spend a certain amount on them to make Christmas special! He said his parents would be happy with an Oxfam present, but it's all about the materialistic things for his in-laws. It's a shame Christmas is like that for some people - it really removes the whole meaning of it.

The run-up to this Christmas has actually been less hectic for me. The commercial meaning of it has completely disappeared as I see it in a whole new perspective. It's about thanking God for sending His son, not loads of shopping from dawn until dusk!

In my personal opinion I think Christmas should mean the following:
1. Remembering the moment when Jesus came into the world
2. Spending time with family - Jesus was born into a caring family and we are all part of God's family
3. Thanksgiving and I suppose exchanging presents comes into that, but is buying someone a £500 stocking filler really necessary? It goes a lot deeper than that.

Excessive eating, watching the Queen's speech and making sure you have made everyone happy by buying them the right thing is not what it's about.

If you have time can I ask you to read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20.

Merry Christmas everyone!