"It's the most wonderful time of the year" comes singing from the speakers...

I'm sorry, but that lyric is a lie to me. Although it is a catchy song by Andy Williams, who my mother adores, I believe it is false. Christmas is not a time of the year, but instead, it's all year long. Although the birth of Christ is only celebrated once a year, the spirit of Christmas should live on throughout the other months of the year as well.

I know giving seems to be an essential part of what Christmas is all about, but we should not limit ourselves to give to others only around the time of Christ's birth. Showing our love and affection to others should be a daily aspect of our lives.

This love and appreciation does not always have to be in the form of gifts. They could consist of small acts of kindness. Don't let the mindset of Santa and gifts stray you away from the true meaning of Christmas.

It is nice to feel happiness and joy with our loved ones over the month of December, but I challenge you to keep that joy alive throughout the next year. The Christmas lights, however, have to go the day of Christmas, sorry everyone.

Have a Merry Christmas -- this twenty-fifth of December and every day that follows.