Celebrate Christ's Birthday - Not Santa

Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, the Messiah. It doesn't celebrate the fact that Santa brings us presents. Or that we should attend cocktail parties and eat. Yes, giving and receiving gifts is fun. So giis attending holiday parties and spending time with our families.

But that's not the point of the holiday. It's important that we don't lose sight of that. Here are some ideas to help us remember why we celebrate:

* Put up a special "Jesus Tree". Buy gifts for needy families and donate things to charity. Wrap them and put them as gifts under the tree. Decorate the tree with crosses and scenes from your favorite Bible stories.

* Adopt a family. Giving to charity can really help.

* Read the Bible every day, especially the nativity story.

* Make or buy a nativity scene and put it somewhere visible in your house, or outside of your house.

Remember, it's okay to participate in the festivities this season. Just remember why you're celebrating.