Articles
True Spirit of Christmas is to Give, Unite, and Hope
Opinion | Articles | Peter F Borges | 22-Dec-2024
What does Christmas mean to you? Is it the sparkle of lights that adorn every street, the joyful hum of carols in the air, or the warm aroma of freshly baked cakes and sweets wafting through your home? Is it the excitement of unwrapping presents, the laughter of loved ones gathered around the table, or the festive decorations that transform your space into a winter wonderland? Or could it be something deeper—a season to reflect, give selflessly, and inspire hope?
As the festive season unfolds, it’s time to pause and ask: Are we still celebrating Christmas in its truest sense? Have we replaced its spirit of joy, giving, and connection with the allure of materialism? Most importantly, have we forgotten that Christmas is not just a time for personal celebration but an opportunity to build bridges, share kindness, and create a better world for all?
Take a moment to look around this Christmas season. Shopping malls and online platforms are buzzing with enticing offers, urging us to spend, buy, and indulge. Advertisements remind us that the perfect gift can convey love, while social media subtly pressures us to showcase our extravagant celebrations. The race to outdo each other—with larger parties, more expensive gifts, and picture-perfect décor—has turned Christmas into a competition of consumption.
But where is the heart of Christmas in all this? Where is the simplicity, the humility, the warmth of human connection? The story of Christmas, one of love, hope, and giving, often feels overshadowed by the noise of commercialization. Have we forgotten that the greatest gifts are not bought but given from the heart? Christmas, at its core, carries a message that transcends religion, culture, and geography: the power of giving and the strength of unity. It reminds us of the importance of caring for one another, of extending kindness and compassion, and of working together to create a more just and loving world.
This spirit of giving is not measured in the size of the gift but in the depth of the thought behind it. It’s about sharing hope with the hopeless, bringing joy to the weary, and offering love to those who feel alone. Whether it’s through a warm smile, a heartfelt conversation, or a simple act of kindness, the message of Christmas is one of selflessness and humanity. Imagine a Christmas where our focus shifts from material abundance to meaningful actions. What if, instead of worrying about buying the most expensive gifts, we spent time creating moments of joy for others? What if, instead of focusing on extravagant parties, we opened our hearts to those who might otherwise be excluded?
Across the country the world and our country, Christmas is a time of vibrant traditions and cultural richness. Midnight Masses, carols, and community feasts are cherished moments of togetherness. The streets, lit up with stars and twinkling lights as a symbol of joy the bird of Christ brings to mankind. However, even in this idyllic setting, the pull of commercialization is felt. Decorations have become more about trends than traditions, and celebrations often prioritize appearances over genuine connection. But strong sense of community offers a unique opportunity to reclaim the true essence of Christmas. By using these traditions as a foundation for giving, Christians can set an example for the world. This season, let’s make our celebrations about kindness and inclusion. Let’s focus on what we can give—not just materially, but in time, energy, and compassion.
This Christmas, let’s transform the season into one of meaningful action. Look around you—there are countless opportunities to bring joy, hope, and unity to others. Reach out to a struggling family in your neighborhood with support, lend an ear to someone feeling lonely, or contribute to community initiatives that uplift lives. Offer your time to mentor, teach, or encourage. Channel your resources to causes that focus on building stronger, caring communities. Instead of lavish celebrations, embrace meaningful connections. Let your actions reflect the values that Christmas truly represents: compassion, kindness, and selflessness. Together, we can reclaim the heart of Christmas and make it a time where generosity and humanity shine brighter than any decorations. This season, be the light in someone else’s life—because in giving, we all receive the greatest gift of all.
Christmas is more than a holiday—it’s an opportunity to create change. It is a time to remind ourselves of the values that unite us as humans: kindness, generosity, and the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. This season, let’s focus less on material celebrations and more on meaningful connections. Let’s choose to give in ways that matter—not just to those we know, but to those who need it most. A small act of kindness can create ripples of joy and hope far beyond what we can imagine. May these lights remind us of the light we can bring into others’ lives. Whether it’s through sharing our time, extending a helping hand, or simply showing compassion, every action counts.
Christmas may have its roots in faith, but its message belongs to everyone. It invites people of all backgrounds to come together, to share in the joy of giving, and to build a brighter future for all. This year, let’s go beyond the glitter and embrace the heart of Christmas. Let’s turn it into a celebration of humanity—a time when generosity, love, and unity shine brighter than any decorations. What will you give this Christmas? How will you use this season to bring hope, joy, and love to others? The answers to these questions don’t just define our actions—they shape the legacy of the season.
This Christmas, let’s not just celebrate—let’s act. Let’s make it a time of transformation, where we bring people together, uplift those in need, and inspire kindness in others. Be the light in someone’s life, share joy where it is needed most, and let your actions reflect the true spirit of the season. Because the greatest gifts are not found under the tree—they are found in the moments we create, the love we share, and the difference we make. This Christmas, let’s give generously, live meaningfully, and create a celebration that truly matters.
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(The author is the founder of Human Touch Foundation, and former Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. He is also a faculty member in School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University. Views expressed are personal).
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