Remembering the reason for the season

By Jeff Orvis

The countdown is in its final stages. Less than a week from now, it will be Christmas. I've come up with some various thoughts on what is perhaps the greatest holiday time of the year.

With some stores putting up Christmas decorations as early as October, many of us are beginning to suffer from burnout regarding the commercial aspect of the holiday. Those folks who camped out three days before Thanksgiving outside Best Buy stores around the country to buy cheap laptop computers or TV sets need to get a life. The turkey dinner in a warm dining room trumped saving a couple of bucks on electronics any day.

One thing I definitely don't miss when it comes to my current financial situation is the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. I don't want to say I'm broke, but let's just say none of my loved ones should expect to hear that familiar jingle and look out on the driveway to see a new Lexus with a red bow on it from me. By the way, if there are any car dealers reading this, I would like to know if they ever sold a car as a Christmas present.

Many people who are scrambling to buy that perfect gift for their someone special are fortunately also remembering that many Americans have no money for Christmas. Every kid deserves at least one special gift this time of year. The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and other agencies have been working overtime to make sure many disadvantage families can smile this week. Putting that dollar in the kettle or dropping off that gift makes us feel good this time of year. But it's just as important to remember that very few of these families will face brighter prospects in the short term after Christmas is only a happy memory. Maybe more of us should make a New Year's resolution to take a bag of food to the local food bank in April or July or contact a relief organization during the middle of the year to determine how we can help at that time.

Perhaps even more important than food and presents this time of year, we should remember those who are facing physical or emotional problems. I know a couple of men who are facing major physical challenges. Their families are constantly in my prayers. Please stop for a moment and think about someone you know who is facing a major challenge and help if you can, either directly or through thoughts and prayers.

Some people are actually offended when you wish them Happy Holidays. They think you are afraid to say “Merry Christmas” or you don't know the Christian reason for the season. I understand the basics of Christmas. As we hear more and more about the Middle East, I am always amazed that the man who I believe would become the Savior of the world would come from a region of the world where everyone thought the world was flat and many probably didn't realize there was life beyond the horizon.

But one of the great things about living in this country is how we are all free to worship or not worship as we wish. I may not fully understand or agree with the Jewish faith, I know that Hannukah is underway this week and it is as meaningful to those who profess that faith as Christmas is to Christians.

So, keeping that in mind, may everyone have a very Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays!