It's the season to spend money and there is no doubt about that. Every year, around the time where November ends and December begins, at least nine days before the actual holiday arrives, the masses begin the ritual of power shopping. The stores put up 'sale' signs and individuals empty their pockets on bargains that almost every store offers.

Children start to persuade their parents to get their desired gifts and they secretly record their requests to eventually surprise them on Christmas Day. Right up to the very eve of the holiday, folks find themselves roaming the streets trying to finish getting all the things that are necessary for a successful Christmas; food, gifts, sorrel and, to top it all off, a Christmas tree.

So other than having a jolly good time, I must ask the well-known question of the season, what exactly is the true meaning of Christmas? Why is it that we look forward to celebrate this holiday year after year?

'Baby Jesus'

Now, some people will say that it is all about the 'Baby Jesus', since He seems to remain an infant every year. Others, who are not so Christian-minded, would say that the whole thing surrounds a jolly fellow in a big, red, fat suit named Saint Nick, better known as Santa Claus.

The Dutch-American Saint Nick achieved his fully Americanised form in 1823 in the poem 'A Visit From Saint Nicholas' more commonly known as 'The Night Before Christmas' by writer Clement Clarke Moore. Children adore him and some parents actually tell their children that this man is real.

The myth is that he climbs down the chimney of all the houses in the world (except the Caribbean, of course) and delivers gifts that he and his elves have taken a year to make in his workshop. Then, on Christmas Eve, he makes a round-trip from the North Pole to the rest of the world to deliver the gifts to those on the nice list.

Gift-giving

Both stories of the 'Baby Jesus' and that of Santa Claus are important to the authenticity of Christmas and help to make the holiday what it is today but, in case you have not noticed, there is one thing they have in common, the giving of gifts.

Now, everyone knows that without presents, Christmas just would not be the same, and that is a fact. According to the United States Census Bureau, between the months of August and November of 2000, the nation's department stores (excluding leased departments) increased their inventories by 24 per cent and over the years this number has grown.

Of course, all this was done for and by holiday shoppers. We save up all of our hard-earned money just to spend it on some expensive gift or on truckloads of food.

Importance of christ

So, other than gifts and food, is there anything else to Christmas? It seems as though we have moved our focus from the purpose to the benefits of the holiday. How many of us actually consider the importance of 'Christ' in Christmas? Of course, some of us make the effort to go to church around this time of year, but it's just another part of the ritual.

It is time for us to stop concentrating on trying to buy everything that the world has to offer. Let us focus on the other side of the birth of Jesus. It was not just about the wise men bringing gifts; it was also about the happiness that his birth caused. They knew that he was the saviour of the world.

This year, I would suggest that we take a break from shopping to do some extra good for someone who is in need. Find someone in your community or workplace who needs that extra cheer. Christmas will always be the time to shop, but just remember to do it in moderation because after Christmas comes the New Year.

vernie_92@yahoo.com Via Go-Jamaica