Soon Americans will be celebrating Christmas. However, in today’s world Christmas is often focused on gifts, food and Santa. Many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.

To senior Zoe Shimizu Christmas is “spending quality time with family and friends. This Christmas, my friends and I have planned a Christmas party with our families. We plan to congregate in one household during winter break to share gifts and food, which is what I believe Christmas is all about,” she said.

Junior Christine Nguyen agreed. “It’s disappointing to see everyone caught up in consumerism especially during the holidays where it’s supposed to be a time for family and friends.”

People can be distracted by decorations, ornaments and Christmas parties focused on finding the perfect gifts for family, friends and celebrations rather than focusing on the true meaning of this day.

English teacher Jill Semmens said, “This is the time of year to reflect on all the blessings we have, especially our families and friends. It’s my favorite time of year because people realize that not everyone has what we have and giving back just fulfills the true holiday spirit.”

Junior Tiare Sadarananda also loves this season. “My favorite part of Christmas is attending Christmas mass with my family. It is a solemn time where the church comes together to remember the real origin of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ.”

In this holiday season people should practice selflessness and focus on giving instead of receiving. The real meaning of Christmas is a time of gathering with loved ones and being thankful for what one has.