There was a time when I would have said that the holiday spirit was almost dead. The amazing thing is that this is completely not true. It is interesting to observe the way people treat the holidays. Our young adults in their mid-twenties are starting to take the special times of year to heart. As they build their own families, the importance of good hospitality and welcoming hearts become more apparent.

We live in a time of war, scrambled politics, unexplainable inflation in gas prices, a poor economy, and high unemployment. This means that more than ever, it is important to realize the significance of our holiday season. It is by far not about religion or extraordinary consumerism. It is about family and friends.

This year, Christmas may not be the spoiling event our children once knew. Budgets are tight, and times are hard. Though, to some, this may seem like the worst Christmas ever, but those of us that can understand, this Christmas may be the best. Instead of a tree full of presents, maybe our families will sit by the fire, and just spend time appreciating each other. Embracing friends as their own blood, and loving each other, as family should.

So much propaganda tries to say, “Don’t let the terrorists win”. Well, the only way a terrorist could win is to directly hurt our friends and family. Do not worry about how many gifts you will receive or give, but how strong your family is.

A poor man would never be poor, if his family was always close by. His friends would always hold out there hand to help. A poor man is only poor when there is no hand; there is no friend. Many of us may not really understand and this is very unfortunate. Richest people with the fullest lives will feel the warmth in the room, be comforted by the smell of a home cooked meal, and gaze around the room understanding what it really means to be part of a family. Whether it be by blood or by love, a family cannot be defined or restricted by the law, but by the way we react and stand strong together through thick and through thin. Don’t let the holiday season consume you with limited credit lines and overdrawn bank accounts.

Whether you have a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holiday, don’t linger on the selfish details of what offends who and how. The traditions of this time of year stretch across just about every type of person. For those of us that do not conform to such traditions, it is still hard to avoid what the tidings bring. Though, many people may celebrate the holidays for all different reasons, and at times maybe the “wrong” reasons, the only consistent correct way to spend it is with people. People that make you happy and feel at home no matter where you might be, is truly what a family is.