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.