LETTERS: THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

To the editor:

It is hard to believe that Christmas is already approaching us. Christmas is a special time, and the true meaning should be recognized by everyone. It seems that most people nowadays have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Everyone likes to receive presents and gifts, but they forget about the less fortunate, the importance of the family and helping others.

All I hear is: "I hope I get net Playstation games" or "I hope I get my jewelry." We have become so materialistic. This has made people forget what Christmas is really about. Sure, it is nice to get gifts, but I have come to appreciate my surviving family members and friends and the opportunity to be with them. I recently lost a friend to violence. Now she's not here to see me on the holidays like she used to. Seeing and thinking about struggling families who can't afford to buy presents has given me a whole new perspective: Someone always has worse problems than you, and you should never take for granted what you have.

People are also forgetting that Christmas is about Jesus Christ and the day he came into this world. They seem to forget this while thinking about what they are receiving and how much money they have to spend. I always got to church on Christmas Eve. I'm not a regular church attender, but I do know the importance of this date. Christmas Eve Masses are powerful, and you can feel the gracefulness of it. It also gives me time to reflect on what I have and what Christmas is about.

I hope more people will be less materialistic and more concerned with their family, friends and the day Christ was born. It doesn't matter what you get for Christmas. It's what you already have and what you do for others. While the rich are driving Mercedes-Benzes, I'm trying to hold on to my surviving friends. People should be thankful for what they have and not forget the true meaning of Christmas.

JOE ROBERDS

Cape Girardeau