Five Reasons Some People Over Spend During Christmas

John 3:16 King James 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

When I was a child we were taught that we give gifts out of love because God loved us so much He gave us Jesus. It was also emphasized that Jesus loved us so much that He gave His very life. Some people simply want to maintain expressing their love to family and friends because it is the season to reflect upon the love from above.They are not trying to impress anyone, they just desire to give from the heart. Many give because the magi gave gifts to the Christ child.

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

John 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Television programs in decades past had Christmas episodes where some type of miracle miracles took place on Christmas Eve. Many believers in Christ focus on the miracle of the virgin birth and seek to know that He still moves supernaturally today. I recall a Christmas when my oldest son wanted a VCR/DVD combo. They were selling for about $300 and up and we did not have that much money.

On Christmas Eve my youngest son and I were out looking without success when he suggested I try a pawn shop that was nearby. We went in and they had a DVD/VCR combo still in it's box. They had just got it that morning and sold it to us for $150.00. My first born enjoyed it for three years before having any problem. My family has experienced Christmas miracles in many forms so I know they are real.There is a special joy in expecting and receiving during this blessed time of the year.

Isaiah 38:5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears: behold, I will add unto your days fifteen years.

Some people who had a rough year financially, trust by faith that Christmas will make up for it. If you have never suffered long term lack you cannot understand the heart's desire for something better to come along. I can recall decades ago people who skipped their December bills, then caught up in February with income tax returns. This was their last ditch method to giving their family a happy holiday. Like Hezekiah they have prayed for another chance and believe God will grant it.

For those who love Christ, the tree with present underneath represents the hope of the future when Christ returns. It is the one time of year when people push to make something happen good for their families to make up for the lack they experienced in the past year. I recall one Christmas Eve there were a lot of people writing checks at Kmart and one employee said most of them would probably bounce because it happens every year.

In this day and age checks go through right away and if the money is not in there, you don't get your purchase. Decades ago most parents used layaway for their children's toys. Today not many stores offer lay away. My grandma used to put money in the bank for a Christmas club for me and my brothers. She would get it out in October and we had money to buy presents. Today there are business and social service organizations that offer angel trees for the least of these, but those who have a need and don't qualify are left with nowhere to turn.

Desperate people often resort to desperate measures and this is true during the holidays. Most people I have talked to over the years simply want to be able to have this one time of year where it seems that life works out.

Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed togive than to receive.

Most people, even those who are not Christian believe in the joy of giving. They simply love to give.They desire to see the look of pleasure on the faces of those who have benefited from their generosity. These individuals make ways out of no way in order to have the holiday they believe their loved ones desire. After my brother died, my mother made sure to get lots of Christmas gifts for his widow and children.

My brother's former inlaws however did not understand. They were from England and Hungary and were hard working people and not believers in Christ.They shook their heads at what they considered to be excess because they simply did not have a clue of why my mother gave so much.

Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

Many baby boomers remember Christmas past as a time of Sunday school plays and school pageants. It was normal for children to go to their friend's homes to see what they had received. Kids would be outside on bicycles, skates and using walkie talkies. My grandma would take us to a filed and cut down our tree and allow us to help decorate. Schools and public buildings would be decorated and everyone seemed to enjoy the season. Some people have a heart's desire to recreate the Christmases of their youth.

They may be dealing with depression because of missing loved ones who have passed on. Their heart's desire is to build new memories to cover the sadness while reminiscing about Christmas long ago. If you know someone who skips bills, works two or three jobs or gets into enormous debt during the holiday season, please consider this Hub before judging them, Not everyone is buying presents they can't afford for people they don't like just to impress.

Yes there are those stuck in tradition and who worry about what others may think if they cannot provide a fantastic holiday. Others simply reflect on the fact that God gave His Son and the Son gave His life. They enjoy the story of the virgin birth along with the holiday trappings. After a year of struggle, they simply want Christmas to be just right. Mental health professionals argue against this and say people should be grounded in reality They believe if you don't have the money, you don' shop.

This is excellent advice but for a lot of people the holiday season and what it means to them is deeply ingrained and a yearly warning is not going to stop them. Whether they actually receive a Christmas miracle or go out of their way to make their own, it's their personal business.