Christmas has a twofold meaning for me. Firstly, and most importantly, Christmas represents the birth of Christ. It is also that time of year when an atmosphere of love and unity can be felt much more as families gather together to celebrate this important day.
But Christmas is becoming too materialistic and sensationalised. I don’t think that adverts blaring out that the Chirstmas spirit would be missing if you don’t buy the lastest decorations or the most expensive presents, is the right way to celebrate Christmas.
I think some people have become disillusioned and are giving too much importance to the materialistic aspect of Chirstmas, thus losing the most important and purest meaning of what Christmas really is.
Even though the values of love, charity, unity and peace are emphasised during this festive season, charity takes place throughout the year. These values are part of us and we live them every day, not just in a specific period of time, as they have been ingrained in us in our upbringing. Nicole Scerri, 3rd year BA International Relations.
As Christmas comes at the end of the year it is a time to think about the things I did over the past year, and most importantly, it’s a time to share the last month of the year with friends and family.
I think Christmas has been commercialised quite a long time ago and adverts do tend to create a hype over it. However, at the end of the day I believe the Christmas season is as much of a hype as it is a personal affair. Christmas is what one makes of it.
I feel the Christmas spirit is still there, and the values of kindness and charity are felt even more due to the Christmas decorations and festivities. On a personal level I think my relationships with friends and family remain throughout the year even though sometimes it is not easy and I have to work at it. Ultimately it’s all about understanding each other. Christopher Schembri, 3rd year, B.Comm.
Christmas for me is not just about presents and the material aspect but also a great opportunity for the whole family and relatives to meet. One must also not forget the religious side of Christmas.
Nowadays it seems that Christmas has become all about presents and the material aspect, a competition about who gives the best present and who decorates the most. But I believe there are people who still know the true meaning of Christmas.
Also, adverts should not dictate how one should celebrate and feel throughout these festivities. By celebrating Christmas together as a family, one feels the values associated with Christmas further more. Kenneth Mifsud, 1st year, BA European Studies.