Ho, ho, ho! It's here again..

The beautiful Christmas season that is enjoyed by all for the true meaning of the holiday itself.

Yeah, right.

I wish I could say that with a straight face. But after seeing so many ridiculously greedy commercials, and having already waited in crazy long lines for nothing more than toothpaste and catfood, I feel differently.

I wish that the real meaning of Christmas could be celebrated again by more of us, because Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to me, are repulsive.

For me, just being able to bring all the wonderful Santas and blown glass ornaments out of the china closet is soooo exciting! I make sure to have Christmas music on, as well, to get us all in a Christmas-y mood to decorate.

We listen to all types of holiday music by many different artists, but I have a few songs that are my absolute favorites. Hearing them for the first time each year gives me goosebumps and, often, I get choked up when I really listen to the words and the beautiful stories the songs tell.

The lights at night, too, can obviously get out of hand for some people. I really hope their intentions are good, and they're not feeling like they are in some sort of holiday light competition.

Unfortunately, that is the impression some of them give off during a season that is not about lights so bright that "ya gotta wear shades."

My kids and I do love to look at the lights at night, though, because there are so many homes that are done so beautifully, with such care, and obviously celebrating the Christmas season with a bit less bling.

Now the shopping?

Oh, I get it. I have 3 kids!!

But I feel the retailers have sucked the complete life out of Christmas shopping for so many of us!! C'mon, now. Do they really need to lure shoppers in on Thanksgiving now?

It really is, in a sense, disrespectful to the meaning of Thanksgiving as well. It has reduced many people to basically giving thanks for a great sale.

Ugh.

The whole concept of what these retailers are conveying truly disgusts me. It is the exact opposite of what Christmas is about. Why does it only seem to be getting worse?

I do know I am not the only one with the view of what Christmas has become. (Mother of God! Did anyone see the Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber video??? I am far from prudish but I was basically speechless while watching that during the Rockefeller Center tree lighting!!

In fact, I really almost HAD to turn away! What was she thinking and where was that boy's mommy??

Anyway, I am hoping that I am raising my daughters correctly about the spirit of the holiday. I won't be a hypocrite and say that I am at church every Sunday because I am not.

However, I understand that this is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, son of God. What other way is there to celebrate than being surrounded by our beloved family, and not by tons and tons of gifts purchased solely for their great prices?

That just wipes away the true meaning of this glorious day.

Although, I will say, there will always be some special gifts for some very special kids under our tree. Just maybe no 70 inch flatscreens.

Love and peace to all of you! Enjoy your family this holiday season everyone!!