Christmas is almost upon us once again. Time ticks by without us realising until we are starkly reminded that yet another year has been and gone. 

Often it's a time for reflection. We assess the things that have happened to us and to our environments and how our lives have changed. What we could have done better and what we should be proud of ~ also what has been out of our control but we still managed to get through.

Life is full of change but we can always rely on Christmas to bring us some comfort and cheer at the end of the year. However, Christmas, I have noticed, is moving with the times and becoming a lot more modern and diverse. Nativity plays are being replaced, decorations and the exchanging of  Christmas cards are in decline in schools. How can it be that Christmas has been cancelled in so many ways for fear of offending others who do not celebrate it?

Of course, change is inevitable but I fear that Christmas is rapidly losing its true meaning. Christianity is on a rapid decline and less than half of us in the UK consider ourselves of the christian faith. That's not to say that you have to be christian to celebrate Christamas as you don't but if you are celebrating it is important at least to be aware of the origins and traditions associated with it.

When I was young, (and I still am!), everything in life seemed simpler and quieter. I remember one particular Christmas I wished for a red cardigan and I was so very happy with it on Christmas morning. It wasn't anything special, just a light red knitted cardigan with buttons. Now it would be unimaginable to just get my children a cardigan as a main present! I would never hear the last of it.

Lists are made for hundreds and hundreds of pounds worth of presents and most of these, for teenagers and older children especially, are just to keep up with everyone else who constantly try and outdo each other anyway. Ask  a child what they got and they'll tell you ‘a three hundred pound coat’ or ‘ two hundred pound trainers’. Not many will say ‘Oh I got some black trainers’ or ‘I got a lovely coat.’

Consumerism is taking over Christmas because so much nowadays is money related and people feel that they are failing their families if huge amounts are not spent, lavish gifts bought and indulgent and far too expensive food purchased.

I'm not overly religious myself~ I am more of a spiritual person but I have respect and belief in the origins of the Christmas story. I think that no matter what your belief is, Christmas should  remain a holy and humbling occasion.

I think that Christmas is fading away and in a few centuries, it will be something totally different, if anything at all. Maybe it will just turn into one long indulgent party lasting several days. Yet, like clothing, hairstyles and certain ways of life that seem to reappear after being almost forgotten, I believe Christmas will be rediscovered one day in the future and will revert to how it should be and how it once was. 

I will spend Christmas quietly and with some reverence as usual this year. I will remember Christmases past and people who are no longer here. My children still get what they wish for from Santa Claus (well, maybe not quite everything!) ~ but they are very aware that there is much more to Christmas than what presents we get.

Christmas uplifts me and fills me with renewed magic that I fear may one day disappear and it inspires me with hope for the coming year.  

That very first Christmas when Jesus was born in a stable was so very simple yet had such a tremendous sense of tranquillity and awe because of the profound message it offered for humanity. This time of year reminds us to be kind to others and it tends to bring out the good in us.So, however you decide to celebrate Christmas, it is important to never forget the true Christian origins.