Everybody seems to get excited about Christmas, even those who are going through rough times—Religious or Secular.  It is the most wonderful time of the year— shopping malls buzzing with shoppers; the lights, the decorations, the greetings, the music, the foods, and most of all the smiles. It seems people smile more during the Christmas season.

But amid all the excitement and fun, Christmas does not mean the same to all people and culture. It is a mixture of religious and secular traditions, and depending on where you live and to which culture you belong, the season could take on a different meaning.

From a Christian perspective, “Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25 as a religious and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world.”

Kids love Christmas, it seems the tradition got started specifically for them. When I was a young child, I got excited about Christmas too, but when Santa did not show up at my house for about 3 years in a row, I became sad and abandoned Christmas, and subsequently developed a hatred for Santa Claus.

However, as I grew older I understood what Santa Claus was all about: He brings happiness to sad faces. But most often than not, the parents have to take the place of Santa. Unfortunately many parents do not have the wherewithal to do so; therefore, they have to depend on relatives, friends and neighbors and sometimes you.

Won’t you make a sad face happy this Christmas? It doesn’t have to be a child. Maybe you know somebody who has been out of work for a long time. More than likely such a person is going through rough times. You could be Santa Claus to that person’s kids or to the entire family. The Bible says: ”  Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”