Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.
Eric Sevareid
1912 – 1992

This is the time of the year when the Christians of the world celebrate the birth of Christ. But you don’t need to be Christian to take part in (and benefit from) this celebration.

I’d like you to take a few minutes and think up a Christmas wish. If there was a Christmas Fairy who could grant you one wish, what would you ask?

Maybe you’d wish that there was more of the true spirit of Christmas at this time of the year. If so, consider this thought: instead of lamenting the commercialization of the holiday, what could you do to spread the true meaning of the season?

Maybe you’d wish that some deceased loved one was still with you. Instead of grieving for your loss, what could you do to honor that life?

You might wish for some special gift: a new car, house or other material item. Instead of wishing for things you want to receive, why not wish for ways you could bring comfort to others?

Would you wish for more time with your family and loved ones? We often can’t change our circumstances, but we can change how we view things. Could you show more love and compassion to the people in your life? Can you find a way to show your love even if you can’t physically be with the ones you love?

If we examine most of our wishes closely, they tend to be about us. But in my view, the spirit of Christmas is love and compassion for others. So this year, instead of wishing for things for yourself, look for ways to share your blessings, no matter how small, with others.

No matter what gifts we receive at Christmas, the joy of receiving seems to fade rather quickly. On the other hand, the joy and satisfaction that comes from doing something for others lasts much longer.

Maybe your wish is to help others — and if so, I commend you. But I’d ask you to consider this thought: Christmas is only one day; there are 364 others, too. So why not try to carry that holiday spirit throughout all of your life?

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens
1812 – 1870

Copyright © 2018 John Chancellor