The meaning of Christmas has, over the years, been lost among all the cash register ringing and money clinking. After spending Christmas in Mexico, I've come to realize that Christmas in the United States is not all it's cracked up to be. Instead of presents and spending money, the focus in Mexico during Christmastime is where it should be, on the family. After several nights of this, the family again gathers on Christmas Eve to place the baby Jesus in the Nativity scene and await Jan. 6, the day of the kings, in which the children of Mexico receive their presents. Although this is a simplistic explanation, it serves to prove a point.
Family is the focus.
Gifts are selected with thought instead of being selected out of obligation. I'm glad I had the chance to spend the holidays in Mexico. The holidays are a special time, and they need not be ruined by unwanted gifts and money better left unspent. Although next Christmas is a long way off, I'm already planning a new way in which to spend this special time with my family-without the commercialism. Thanks for everything, including your patience and especially your caring when you thought I wasn't coming back.