Real spirit of Christmas easy to catch

During this time of year, it’s so easy to lose sight of the reason for the season. It’s also not that hard to rediscover it.

I remember one Christmas, when I lived in Abilene, Texas, and my daughter Laura wanted a Barber Shop Cash Register. I called Wal-Mart Supercenter. They were out. Abilene was a two Wal-Mart town and so I called the other Wal-Mart. They only had one left. A lady promised to hold the Barbie Shop Cash Register for me at the customer service desk. And so I raced across town during my lunch hour.

When I got to the service desk, no one was there. I spotted a Barbie Shop Cash Register on the counter with a layaway sticker on it. I don’t know if this was the toy the lady promised to hold, but I reached across the counter and snatched it.

When I got home from work, I had an examination of conscience. I didn’t like what I saw. “What am I doing? This is not what Christmas is about!” I told myself.

With only 18 shopping days left until Christmas, I’m checking my list twice. I’m not referring to my list of gifts though, but rather how well I’m living out the real spirit of Christmas.

Helena Rodriguez is a freelance writer. Contact her at: [email protected]