What do you think when someone says Christmas? Does your imagination run wild with thoughts of twinkling lights, delicious cookies and presents under the tree? Or does your mind wander to the other side of the joyous season? As many children grow up, they perceive that Christmas means receiving presents, eating sugary foods and not going to school; however, as they mature, they quickly realize that there is another point of view on the season; a whole different meaning to Christmas. The Christmas season is an important and favorite holiday in America as a time of giving and a time of gathering; however, Christmas is a traditional and historic celebration in the Catholic Church as well. Many people in America are in the Christmas spirit and are willing to give to those in need. During the holiday season, increase the rate of money donated to charity. A USA Today article published in 2011 stated that holiday donations increased 25% compared to 2010. An increase in donations occurs during the months of November and December, especially during the Christmas season. Furthermore, more and more people are willing to serve the poor. East Point Academy, an elementary school located in South Carolina, holds a toy drive every year to help disadvantaged students; however, this year, the toy drive was canceled due to an atheist group threatening to sue. However, this school still tried to donate to the poor during Christmas. Furthermore, the atmosphere of the season pushes people to help those in need. My family and I provide community service in Kansas City. Every year we participate in sorting food for the Seton Center or purchase a gift for a child during Advent. This is one small way people can donate. In addition to being a time of giving, Christmas is a time of... middle of paper... in the Catholic Church. The two sides of Christmas are very different from each other. Many people, especially young children, see Christmas as a real "celebration"; they fail to recognize the deeper meaning throughout the season. A season of giving. A moment for family. And, a celebration of a birth long ago. So, what is the true meaning of Christmas? Works Cited http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101217005205/en/ http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-28 /charity-holiday-giving/52253398/ 1 http://youngcons.com/elementary-school-cancels-annual-christmas-toy-drive-for-poor-children-after-atheist-group-threatens-to-sue/ http://www.eauk.org /culture/statistics/christmas-facts-and-quotes.cfm http://money.msn.com/ saving-money-tips/post--how-6-families-went-free-gifts-for-christmashttp:/ /www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm