CHRISTMASThe popular celebratory customs associated in various countries with Christmas have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian and secular themes and origins.[19] Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift giving, Christmas music and caroling, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations, including Christmas trees, lights, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly. In addition, several closely related and often interchangeable figures, known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas and Kris Kringle among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season and have their own body of traditions and lore.[20] Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.

Hello friends, Well Christmas is here, and what have we done to keep  "CHRISTMAS" alive and well? First, Christmas is when Jesus Christ was born, hence CHRISTmas, so let's keep CHRIST in CHRISTMAS. A day of reflection and celebration, in his holy honor for us to keep the FAITH. Goodwill towards us, is what Christmas is all about, faith, family and friends. Peace on earth, love one another, help each other, and show we care is also part of the CHRISTMAS SPIRT. Giving of what we can to those who need it the most, is what we should be doing, but ARE WE?  I think not the best we could do, don't you agree with me_____ I'll take that as a yes. Giving can be a simple "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to everyone you talk to, a handshake as well, shows you care about them. It's nice to receive, just as nice to give, makes it a double blessing. Gratitude, to be grateful to be able to share the simple things, that bring joy and happiness to us. Christmas has gotten to commercialized, it''s turned into a business, to bad. To give to the people who have not, makes us realize what we have to give. Sounds simple and easy huh, why not try it for yourself and see how it feels. It's one of  the best feelings that we can feel, knowing that you helped make it better for others. Don't let the SPIRT of Christmas slip away, it's what we all need to stay connected. Not the disconnection, division and dysfunction that is in our society today, slowly dissolving all human feelings for each other. WE should celebrate Christmas 365 days a year, to GIVE every day, would definitely change the world to be a better place in which to live. Which brings to mind a quote from me," in order to live you have to give, if you only take it's going to break" So please keep CHRISTMAS alive and well, because if you don't we're going to hell(sorry). Christmas is for the children, so teach them about Christ first, then about Santa Claus and the present. GOD'S gift to us every day, is the PRESENT, the here and now, so make it the best day possible. Today and every day hereafter! GIVE- GOODWILL- PEACE-LOVE-MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL