Christmas In Our Hearts, Christmas In Our Yards

Christmas
is fast approaching. So many people are busy preparing for the yuletide season.
At the onset of September, Christmas fever is nearly felt. As early as now,
people are already shopping for early Christmas gifts as well as purchasing
wonderful decorations. Christmas tree is a trademark of this season that almost
everyone owns one at home. It is widely recognized because it is associated with
the Christmas celebration, the birthday of Jesus Christ which falls on the 25th
of December. It is decorated with all sorts of Christmas accessories with a
remarkable angel or star at the peak of the tree which will remind us of the
nativity of Jesus at Bethlehem. A Christmas tree may be made from a natural or
artificial tree. Normally, it is put inside the house where gifts for the entire
family as well as presents for friends, godsons and goddaughters, closest
friends and relatives are stored. Aside from calling it Christmas tree, it is
also fondly known as Yule tree or Holiday tree. Some of the embellishment that
can symbolize this time of year is the pictures or statues of the generous Santa
Claus pasted on the walls of our house, Christmas bells on our doors and Santa’s
socks hang on our door knobs waiting for Santa Claus (usually our fathers) to
peep in on the eve of Christmas and drop his endowment for us.

Furthermore, Christmas tree can also be an outdoor décor especially during
this holiday season. Real trees as well as grass trees can be ornamented with
Christmas lights and make it look like a real and fascinating Yule tree. There
is no limit as to what kind of tree will be adorned. But in Europe, North,
Central and South America, the most commonly used are fir tree and originally,
Christmas trees are evergreen trees. In the United States, Christmas trees are
sold commercially in markets and the most celebrated also. Way back in history,
the National Christmas tree in the US is lighted in 1979 in honor of the
Americans who were hostage in Iran.

But have we really pondered ourselves what is the true meaning of this
season? Everyone must admit that its importance is not only limited unto the
setting up of Christmas trees. In Christian belief, it signals the coming of
Christ and spirit of giving and sharing. It is more than the presents that we
receive. It is looking through the hearts of the giver, in the sincerity and
thoughtfulness of her intentions. In fact, it is better to give to the poorest
of the poor because they are the ones who can hardly afford and the most to
receive the blessings from us who are more privileged. Additionally, Christmas
is also a grand homecoming of the family members who are working away from home.
This is the perfect time to reconcile and time to forgive people who have sinned
against us. For Roman Catholics, going to church is the highlights of the
season. People go to midnight mass for 9 mornings to ask for their petitions to
the child Jesus.