Christmas is defined as “the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church.” While this is the true meaning of why Christmas exists,  it is not the meaning practiced by many today.

Unfortunately, people today have altered that definition into something completely different. Our definition goes a little something like this, “a holiday that makes you broke and leaves you stressed out hoping that you have enough presents for people or if you received an equal amount to what you gave.”

It is pretty sad and very irritating, or at least I think so.

Christmas was never supposed to be about who can give or receive the most presents.

Don’t get me wrong, presents are great, but why isn’t celebrating Christ’s birth, and life as we know it, gift enough?

Being a teenager buying tons of presents for others is hard. Whether you have a job or not, money is still very tight. And parents that have multiple kids or big families to buy for are probably also very stressed out this time of year. Things are not cheap and feeling obligated to buy gifts for others just doesn’t feel right.

Cindy Lou and all the Who’s didn’t let all the missing presents and decorations stop them from being together to celebrate Christmas.

Personally, I believe the best gift of all is having someone or multiple people you love right beside you on December 25^th.

Christmas is about spending time with your families and celebrating life. Material things will never have a larger value than a story grandma tells about your mom or dad on Christmas day. Those stories and memories are priceless. You can hold onto them for a lifetime.

Bake some cookies, make a card, give a hug, and spread your laughter. Save your money for something important, because the greatest gift of all doesn’t cost a thing.