Christmas is a season of getting together, giving more than receiving and spending time with your loved ones.

As most of western society preps for Christmas, it can become very stressful and many people begin to dread the financial strain of the season.

I often hear people say they want to “skip Christmas” or “Christmas is too expensive”.

I think that it shouldn’t be a time of year that everyone dreads just because we can’t afford to buy everyone a gift.

The phrase “it’s the thought that counts,” was often repeated to me as a child.

This is something everyone should consider.

As tough as it is to live in our current economy with taxes on the rise, jobs being cut left and right, Christmas shouldn’t become baggage.

I think that people need to put all the extra baggage aside and look at what Christmas is really about.

But what is Christmas really about?

For those who are Christian or have read the bible, we know that it was the day Jesus was born, but not all of us are religious.

It seems like lately Christmas isn’t about Jesus any more but more about Jolly Ol’ St. Nick and that’s okay because we can’t please everyone.

With that being said, Christmas is my favourite time of year. I was raised in a culture where we celebrated Christmas.

Now I understand that with the holiday season, it begins to become a bit too much way too fast and I personally think that’s why people become overwhelmed with the holiday.

For someone like myself, I focus more on the spirit of Christmas, the hundreds of Christmas movies that are playing on TV, or the songs playing on the radio every December.

If Christmas to you isn’t about the movies, the songs, or decorating your house from top to bottom, then make it about something positive.

Whether it’s family traditions, doing a good deed or anything that can brighten someone’s day Christmas portrays a positive message.

I think it’s more important to follow that message, than to spend the time being worried about how you’re going to buy that perfect gift.