Growing up, decorating the house with lights and trimming the Christmas tree were holiday highlights. I was excited to see relatives and hoped St. Nick would bring the one item I asked for, usually a doll or a teddy bear.
Boy, how much times have changed. My youngest daughter received an iPad for her last birthday. She’s 4! I got my first computer in college.
Our kids live in a time of such privilege or — depending on your view — maybe I did. And maybe this season has lost its wholesomeness.
My German grandmother used to tell me about families leaving shoes and stockings outside the door, hoping St. Nikolaus would fill them with candy or fruit. They do this each year on Dec. 6 and celebrated Christmas later in the month, but only to observe Jesus' birth.
Protestants changed the tradition so that Santa comes on Christmas Eve. Eventually, the jolly old elf started bringing electronics and bigger items.
I don't mean to be a Grinch, but Christmas has became too commercialized and, perhaps, many people have forgotten the season's true meaning.
Remember: Christmas is a time for joy, cheer, happiness, celebration, camaraderieand love of humankind.
The holiday originated from a time when luxury was lacking, so it’s supposed to be about how much thought we put in, not how much we spend.
If we can get back to this mindset, there may be hope for us yet.
Amber Kelley lives in Laurel Hill. Send news or comments to Hobo.homefront@gmail.com or P.O. Box 163, Laurel Hill, FL, 32567.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: THE HOBO HOMEFRONT: Observing Christmas' true meaning brings hope