Christmas is sold to us through numerous commercials and advertisements that we should find the gift that expresses our love and gratitude for our family and friends.

It’s the gifts that prove our love and connection to others.

With a focus on this, we lose the real meaning of Christmas and giving.

One mother recently told The Examiner that her children received one gift each on Christmas morning. It’s all she could afford.

They went outside to play and were teased by other children about their sole present.

We are teaching our children that love can be expressed and measured through material items.

Instead we should be focusing on the act of giving. The thoughtfulness behind the gifts is being neglected. An act of kindness or genuine connection has a lasting impact compared to a material possession.

When an adult reflects on childhood Christmases, the highlights would not include the then-latest video game that became outdated within six months of unwrapping the present under the tree.

Memories of Christmas are often associated with falling asleep in chairs after a big lunch, playing cricket with the cousins or taking a moment to remember family members that have passed. 

Self-worth cannot be attained through consumer goods.

Christmas, regardless of whether it’s observed as a spiritual time or not, is more than just a man in a red suit.

Although, even Santa can bring the true message of Christmas. The act of giving. A message of hope that all children will be treated equally with all receiving a gift from the jolly man. That you can give without needing the recognition. Afterall, he drops the gifts and then heads to the next family.

The true meaning of Christmas should be about the human connections we can create. The acts of kindness we can show to those struggling. 

The combined Christmas lunch in Launceston is a great example of this in action. It’s not only for the needy or lonely. It’s about all areas of the community coming together and sharing a meal. The job you have, the car you drive or the clothes you wear is irrelevant. 

Instead the luncheon is about giving time and establishing connections that otherwise wouldn’t exist or have been lacking. What a beautiful message to share with the next generation.