Feel the Christmas Spirit

Having recently surveyed a bunch of random people about what Christmas means to them, I have come up with the top 3!!!!

1. Christian Celebration:

Most people recognized that the "true meaning" of Christmas was found in Christian traditions and beliefs. The story we all know where Mary and Joseph traveled on a donkey to Bethlehem where baby Jesus was born in a stable. God's Son came to Earth to bring hope and salvation to man….US!

According to the survey, at Christmas time, people remember this by going to church, singing Christmas carols and through individual reflection and prayer.

One girl commented: The notion of giving is actually derived through the belief that God gave his Son to us here on Earth. Subsequently, Christmas has become a time of giving to others. (Everyone surveyed said they loved giving and receiving at Christmas time!)

Also check out the new film, The Nativity Story, which is showing in cinemas now.

2. Family:

It seems that at Christmas time is a time when we all love to get together with family and friends. The majority of those surveyed said that they put Christmas day aside each year for time with family and often invite friends who don't have family around to join in the festivities. Many people travel for miles at Christmas time to catch up with family members.

One girl told us how decorating the Christmas tree with her Mum and sister was one of her favourite activities each year!

For those without family around, suggestions included joining in with another family or getting a group of people in similar circumstances and creating an "Orphans Christmas Party".

3. Holidays:

Also popular on the list of the Christmas meanings was holidays! Relaxing, soaking in the sea breeze and enjoying some well deserved time off! Of course in Australia it's summer so BBQs, beach destinations and poolside activities featured high on the list of to-dos on the Christmas holidays. Some comments we received:

1. People are generally more relaxed and there seems to be a friendlier vibe around at Christmas time.
2. With a good 6 week break each year, I make sure I relax and try at least one new thing each year.
3. I try to get away so I start the New Year fresh and ready to get into it!
4. I love to hang out at the beach with my friends and enjoy NO STRESS of school exams, assignments and pressures.

Let us know what Christmas means to YOU and how you are going to spend Christmas day this year. We'd love to hear from you!