what is christmas to you?

i recently had a conversation about a subject that i think is difficult for most of us if we admit it. it basically is wrapped in this question. "how do you celebrate christmas with out letting true meaning take a back seat to all the presents, lights, tree, santa, candy, parties, snowmen, movies, music, etc....?" trust me, we all struggle with this issue. it's a fragile balance. we long for that magic of the season and alot of what we do is to conjure up emotions that help us to experience that magic. our conclusion was in accordance, in my opinion, with what the Bible teaches. BALANCE. christmas is a celebration of christ. period! but i think as long as you can let that be your focus and motive, you can still enjoy the rest of the elements of this season. in fact, they should mean even more to you. i recommend you checking out the link i have below on the right side about the true meaning of christmas. this is a poem someone sent me today.
i hope that you'll find joy in knowing you get to celebrate because you have new life as a result of a savior that loves you.
so...

T'was the month before Christmas,
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

The PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men, Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say,
December 25th is just another "Holiday".

Yet, the shoppers were ready
With cash, checks and credit,
Pushing folks to the floor
To make sure they get it!
CDs from Madonna, an XBox and I-Pod,
Something was changing, something quite odd.

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
Hoping to sell books by Franken and Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down,
At Lowe's, the word "Christmas" was not to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears,
You won't hear "Christmas"; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now, Daschle! Now, Darden! Now, Sharpton! Wolf Blitzen!
On Boxer! On Rather! On Kerry! On Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter,
To eliminate Jesus in all public matter.

And, we spoke not a word as they took away our faith,
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded,
Reason for the season was stopped 'fore it started.

So, as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree",
Sipping your Starbucks, please listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say,
Shout "MERRY CHRISTMAS"... not Happy Holiday.