a different way to celebrate??

Christmas. What is it really about? As I get older the answer seems foggier... and crustier. The cheap Sunday School answer is that it's about Christ, right? So what about him? Does that mean I have to be a stickler about the fact that his birth was nowhere near December? Ok so baby Jesus (Christ) got gifts so maybe I shouldn't be a Scrooge. Instead I SHOULD go into bankruptcy imitating the giving of priceless gifts, right? Surely that would please God. But who am I giving these gifts to? My already wealthy loved ones who have everything they need and then some, right? Did I ever need anything growing up? Why was such a big deal EVER made about this ONE DAY? What makes it so different from any other? I'm concluding that it's not so different. Ok so it could serve as a warm reminder of what should be important throughout the year. But how do I celebrate that remembrance in a meaningful way? I'm starting to have... no clue.

I'm down with festive. I love Christmas carols and winter decorations. I start playing & singing Handel's Messiah in early November. I'm not really the bah-humbug kinda person but is the crescendo really all that necessary? Or can it be done in another way WITHOUT injuring the way others choose to celebrate? I don't want to rain on anybody's parade but I think my version of celebration is much more low-key, introspective, and focused on those who DON'T have anyone or all their needs met. I don't think that's bad. But how do I express that in a way that doesn't crush anyone else or inflict guilt instead of inspire?

I'd love to hear your ideas on the subject.

Peace + Merry Christmas