Christmas

Today I read in a Portuguese newspaper (on-line) that Portuguese will have less money to buy gifts and presents next Christmas. And I ask: what is Christmas?

Whether you believe in Christ or not it should be the celebration of love, fraternity, brotherhood. Not this materialist, cosmopolitan thing with lights, trees and presents.

Children are taught to think about Christmas as a time where people give them a lot of presents, chocolates and that kind of stuffs. I think the best present we can give is our presence, our smile and attention. And this does not apply just to the people we know and love. It also applies to everyone who is everywhere, no matter the race, social status or religious beliefs. And we should do that everyday, not just in Christmas time.