The Meaning of Christmas

Posted by YC

Hmm, actually I do share the same sentiments as Kevin.

On Monday the company where I work at threw a Christmas party for all its staff at our "in-house" restaurant. Everyone of us have been told to bring along a Christmas gift (it's been explicitly stated that the gift should not be less than RM10), which is to be exchanged amongst all who attended.

The party started at around 6pm and ended shortly before 7pm. As usual, as with all company functions, it began with people wandering around aimlessly (and impatiently) while waiting for the emcee to take over the microphone (it's supposed to start at quarter past five). At the mean time, Amazing Grace was playing in the background, followed by many other Christmas carols. Note, all staff have been invited.

The fact is these songs chosen actually mean a whole lot more that just spreading the Christmassy feel and cheer around. They carry much more meaning than that, but it's been so commercialised that people don't really realize what the lyrics are all about, let alone what does Christmas really mean.

In a way, like CC said, let the "secular" community enjoy their share of Christmas shopping, Santa Clauses, turkey feasts (oh by the way, turkey is actually non-halal?) and gift exchanges. After all, it's better to be able to at least celebrate (although the original meaning has lari a bit) rather than not being allowed to celebrate it at all, right?

Who knows, Santa Claus could the first step of a 5-year-old girl in getting to know her personal Savior.

P.S. In case you are wondering, the gift which I bought for the exchange thingy costs RM10.98. I suppose the spirit of sharing and giving haven't really caught up yet.