Is Christmas over when nothing is left under the tree?

We wake up with excitement for the gifts we are going to receive, the gifts we're going to give, and hopefully for those we will be with.  We rush downstairs and the most traditional tradition begins!  Someone, usually the one most excited about getting, is appointed, or self appointed, to pass out the gifts. 

When the most anticipated event is finished and scattered across the floor and nothing is left under the tree...then what?

Is Christmas over?  

Sadly, for many, maybe even most, this is what Christmas is about.  Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate the items I receive! I used my shiny new french press as soon as I could! 

And, I love giving presents and seeing the expressions that loved ones make. It's all great but is Christmas over after all of this?  I argue that no it is not over, on the contrary, it has just begun.

How happy are we to get all the hectic shopping done?!  It sure is nice when the stress of the most wonderful time of the year is over. 

Is it all worth it?  

The biggest question: Does it celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior?

Sure, the reason we give gifts is because He gave the greatest gift of all, but let's be real.  Is that how you would want your birthday celebrated?

I and my dad visited a friend in the hospital after we were done "celebrating Christ".  Our friend had been in a hospital bed for a week now hardly able to walk due to a leg problem and multiple surgeries.  And now, on Christmas day, in his comfortable hospital bed next to a cozy fire place (there was no fire), he wasn't complaining or telling us how he wished he was at home.  He wasn't saying, "woe is me".  Actually, he was saying the opposite of what one would expect from a person in a hospital on Christmas. He said, "This has been the best Christmas".  He was thanking God that because of his pain and hospital stay many of his family members were visiting him.  He recognized that he was able to be a testimony to them of how great God is. To him there is no reason to complain because he knows God is doing something and has a purpose for it all.  So, he rejoices! 

Back to my original question: Is Christmas over for you when everything under the tree has been scattered across the floor?  Is that all that it's about?  Even when we give the "greatest presents" in love, the awe of them will quickly wear off, and the material things will wear out.  So, don't let Christmas be over when the base of the tree is visible again.  Re-gift the greatest gift that has ever been given; LOVE.

John 3:16 , "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son...". Not to be cliché, but it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

1 John 4:8 "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."