Christmas spirit is overrated. Yes, I said it. And no, I’m not a buzzkill. Or a religious nut who believes in partially radical Christian/Catholic hierarchies that supposedly diminish this holiday season’s worth. Okay, maybe just a little. And I take it back. Christmas spirit is not overrated. However, materialism within Christmas has become so over embellished that now during this time of year the two words are synonymous. But why? When we rave about Christmas what are we raving about? What is the true meaning of Christmas?

As a society, the focus of Christmas leans heavily towards the gifts, the music, the snow, the red cups and peppermint mochas. As it should appropriately be allocated. Nonetheless, the sentimental value in this holiday season can sometimes be forgotten. Yes, it’s nice to wake up Christmas Day and open up longly awaited presents. Yes, the music is completely sensational- though annoying after a while. Yes, the snow- wait nothing good can be said there; yet, I do enjoy a white Christmas. Yes, Starbucks red cups make a peppermint mocha look and taste better. But isn’t something missing? Besides, the celebration of Christ’s birth. Isn’t there something more?

This is the time of year where things come to a close. A time to reminisce over all the good and bad. A time to take in all our blessings. A time to rejoice in the life that we have crafted for ourselves. A time to look to our loved ones and be more than eternally grateful for their presence. A time to bond. A time to love. A time to remember the Christmas is more than just a holiday, it’s a celebration of Christ’s life and a celebration of happiness.

Let's not forget this, this holiday season.