Is Santa Real? Why the Hype over Christmas?

It's Christmas time and I've been reflecting on why I enjoy it so much. From my consumer advocate perspective, the holiday are often a tough time for consumers. Lots of ads for "sales" that aren't truly a reduced price. Frenzied shopping trips that don't involve doing the recommended research before buying. From my financial counselor perspective, I see how many people don't plan for the spending associated with the holiday and end up in debt afterwards. Some see Christmas as a hyped up American event that is an over commercialized, stressful time.

But I love this holiday and I think it's because of the values behind it.

Value of helping others: The legend of Santa Claus began in 280 AD in now modern day Turkey around a monk, St.Nicholas. According to History.com,"It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick... Over the course of many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors." It's fun to help total strangers by donating food, toys, time or money to make their holiday special. This is the time of the year that focuses on giving vs getting.

Value of showing family and friends that you care about them: It's fun to try and find that special surprise for family and friends that shows how much you care about them. That doesn't mean you have to go into debt for it though. Plan ahead for these gifts by creating your holiday budget and stick to it. it's time to help them with something or that gift that lights up their eyes, this is the time to say  I really know you and love you unconditionally.

Value of spending time with family and friends: We're often so busy that it takes a holiday or special event to stop and have gatherings of family and friends and catch up on their lives. Plan something simple, a hike with a friend or a pot luck dinner with family. Slow down and enjoy the time with them.

Christmas and the holidays can be a wonderful, joyous time. Frankly, the values represented during this time should be year around but at least people rally around this time to display them. Christmas isn't just a day-it's a state of mind.