What is the True Meaning of Christmas?

What is the true meaning of Christmas? Why don't kids today know what the true meaning is, and are so concerned with how many presents they are going to get, and getting all the latest "cool" toys and gadgets?

Of course, Christmas is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Christ, and was originally intended to be a religious holiday. It seems as if this tradition has faded more and more over the years, and today children especially are not concerned with its true meaning; and only concern themselves with getting as many gifts as possible, and competing with their friends as far as the newest and greatest electronic cell phone or game that they are hoping to receive. What is wrong with the world today that we are so money orientated, so greedy and so materialistic? Unfortunately, these values are passed on to our children and stay with them the rest of their lives.

Christmas to me, is about being around those you love, spending time with loved ones that you would not normally spend, and enjoying each other's company to the fullest. Sharing great meals, decorating trees, and spending warm and quiet evenings curled up in front of a beautiful fire. Enjoying the simple things in life, and realizing what we have to be thankful for is what we should be focusing on.

Parents of today sometimes spend thousands of dollars on gifts for their children and teens. It seems like the things they want keep getting more and more expensive; but it ridiculous for parents to cater to what kids "must have" and risk getting themselves further and further into debt. It is not worth it! Often times, the kids are not satisfied because the items they are given are not "cool" or "tech" enough, and is not what their friends have.

For all you fellow parents out there, how about teaching your children the true meaning of Christmas? Not only to celebrate the birth of Christ, but to spread good will towards all, doing something nice for someone else, and to appreciate the little things in life?