What does Christmas mean to you?
"I don't believe you're still standing there! The angel said seek and you will find, so what are we waiting for?!" Those two sentences will forever be in my memory.
At the age of 5, I played the role of a shepherd at the school Nativity - and when I went home from school, I would rehearse those two lines until it was perfect. So perfect that even my whole family had subconsiously memorised my lines. When the big day arrived to finally show what an oh so great shepherd I was, I completely flopped and rushed my lines, and even threw my sheep at baby Jesus. Ah, the festivities!
The festive season is full of Christmas spirit, from Nativity plays, Christmas themed movies such as the family favourites, Home Alone and Elf. Our chilhood memories of growing up wondering if Santa Clause was real, and waking up early hours of the morning on Christmas day to open presents - and of course targetting the biggest one first. But what does Chritstmas mean to you?
As we grow older and into our adulthood, it's in our nature to want to give more to the younger generation and make sure they experience the same festive childhood that we had. During a time of giving, we can't all expect gold, frankincense and myrr.
To what extent is Christmas about giving? Has the modernised society exploited the holidays by commercialising Christmas and making it an annual money making scheme? The value of Christmas lies inside rather than the outside; the joy and happiness brought by Christmas spirit, remembering and creating memories with family and friends, sharing love and kindess to others and appreciating what you have in life.
There's no doubt that we enjoy an abundance of roast dinner, stunning bright aesthetic designs of Christmas decorations and recieving the most coolest/ thoughtful and weirdest gifts from our families, friends and Secret Santas. But let us not forget Christmas being a celebration of sharing love.
With only 24 days until Christmas, as you open each day of your advent calender, remember what the holidays are about, and remind yourself to share your love and kindness to your surroundsings.
Do a good deed. Whether its complimenting a colleague, or even a stranger - or even holding the door open for someone, or even just smiling at someone: these small yet kind gestures can make somebody's day.