Yes, I have heard all of this before.......and I have fallen into both sides of the trap. I have spoken loudly about it being too commercial, and have been depressed at the strain it puts on the wallet........and despaired at my kids not having it all. I have fervently attended mass, and I have questioned the existence of Himself. But finally, in the fullness of the days, it dawned on me that all of that really doesn't really matter. In the end result, it is about celebrating the birth of a man who wished peace on earth and goodwill toward men. You may or may not believe that he was the Son of God, you may or may not believe that he died for the sins of man, you may or may not even believe that he lived at all. But the message of this man, is justice. It is peace for all of the children of this world. It is about a pretty good set of rules to live by. It is about challenging society to care about the least among us. It is about Love that is freely given. When I look around, clear away all the commercialism, and peer through the trees.........I see people, whole groups of people, trying to help out during this time. When I shut out the din, and listen to the voices of the children, then I know it is a special time, and it honors a very special life...........

All the best,

Mick