MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Oh wait, let me be "politically correct"; Merry Christmas, Happy Quanza, Happy Hanukkah, Gladsome Solstice, Happy Holidays, Happy National Venison Day and any other happy's and marry's I might have missed. Wheeew! I tell ya, people get offended waaaaay too easily. Anyhow, so here we are, a few days from Christmas and all seems to be going well. If you noticed, which I'm sure you have, it's also almost nearing the end of the year! Wow! In which case, I'll write up another end-of-the-year article....sorta like I have the past two years.

Today is December 20th of 2005, just 5 days away from Christmas. I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but Christmas to me is not that big of a deal. I know when I was a kid and still in my teens, I looked forward to it and expected the latest, neatest toys, gadgets and video games. Of course, I think as one gets older, Christmas holds less and less meaning. Then again, I suppose it all depends on circumstance and upbringing. And to be honest, It sounds cliche' but I really much enjoy giving than receiving. I more enjoy watching the excitement or surprise on the face of the person tearing into that gift and revealing the contents of it's neatly wrapped Christmas paper. Except, in my case, "neatly" wrapped wouldn't apply. I try atleast...hehehehe!

Here's a question. And I'm sure this question has been asked a million times through each passing season from every corner of the world that celebrates this holiday. The question is, What does Christmas mean to you? Hmmm, it sounds like a simple question with a simple answer, "About being with loved ones"...or something to that extent. But can you truly and honestly say that? Or, as a good, dear, close friend of mine would say, "super duper mega over"? Or maybe it's all about presents, the Christmas spirit, the lights, the atmosphere, grandma's baked goodies and grandpa's pies? Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, so maybe none of these are wrong, but you know what I think? I think Christmas is about making somebody happy. Putting a smile on someone's face, a sparkle in someone's eyes, a tear shed from complete joy. When was the last time you went out of your way to help somebody you didn't know? When was the last time you pulled over to help that person that got a flat tire on the side of the road? When was the last time you helped the needy, the poor and the sick? Maybe it's been awhile or even never. Now Christmas is here and while we celebrate with friends and family, it's all the more reason we tend to forget helping others or making someone smile other than our own. But to me, Christmas is a strong reminder that "I" NEED to help those who aren't a friend or family. The most precious gift I can hope to ever receive is knowing that I just brightened someone's day or brought hope where there was none.

So do me a favor this Christmas season. Go out of your way and help someone in need or that is stranded on the side of the road or just someone that just needs the help. If you do, I'm sure you'll get something back in return though it may not be material means. But trust me, it'll be one of the best gifts you have ever received.