Merry Christmas!

This Christmas seems to have arrived much sooner than I expected and I think it is because the year has been quite a rush especially towards the end. Christmas has been greatly commercialised and people of different races and religion are celebrating it as a season of giving and partying. The city is decorated in colourful trims and fairy lights, exuding a dreamy romantic and joyous atmosphere that makes it hard not to get affected by the mood. However, some would ask if we have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas?

Christmas or literally the Mass of Christ (Cristes Maesse) celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the central figure in Christianity and His teachings form the core of the religion. The tradition of gift-giving originated from the legend of Saint Nicholas of Myra or popularly known as Santa Claus (a degeneration of the Dutch word Sinterklaas) who was famous for his generous gifts to the poor. Many other traditions have been accumulated from different parts of the world over the years. The Santa Claus we know today is conventionally portrayed as a kindly, round-bellied, jolly man in a red suit trimmed with white fur, with a long white beard. On Christmas Eve, he would ride in his flying sleigh lifted by reindeers from house to house to give presents to children. Generally speaking, the fundamental idea or meaning of Christmas is the spirit of sharing and a time to make merry. In addition for Christians, they remember the nativity of Christ.

My boss had asked me how I intended to spend the festive holidays. I replied that it would be a simple affair with my family; dinner out with them and a small gifts exchange, nothing too fancy. He smiled and with a wise, experienced look on his face, he told me solemnly to cherish such moments. Perhaps many families out there can't even indulge in this simple luxury due to the hectic lifestyles of the members of the family. They are words of wisdom to remember.

Christmas is not just for Christians. The spirit of sharing and giving is in the air. Be it with family or friends, tis the season to be jolly! Merry Christmas to one and all!