Today is Christmas Eve.

Last year - Christmas 2008 - was the worst Christmas many people have ever had. The poor economy, the record job losses and cutbacks, and the threat of losing our homes, made people less apt to spend money they didn't have on the elaborate Christmases of the past. However, many people believed that this year things would be better and life would return to normal.

That simply did not happen, and now millions of Americans must face the fact that Christmas as we once knew it is now a thing of a past. The continuing poor economy with all of its issues is forcing every one of us to look at the holiday season in a new light. Gifts which were once the focal point of this holiday are taking a back seat as we look for other less expensive and more meaningful ways to celebrate the holidays. For many of us, Christmas 2009 will be a new and novel experience.

For some, this will mean a returning to some of the old traditions and values that were a part of our childhood. From the recesses of our memories, we bring forth old traditions and activities that made the Christmases of our youths fun and exciting. Family activities will once again take center stage, as we focus on spending time with loved ones playing games, going sledding, and building simple snowmen. For others, it will mean returning to the churches of youth in search of the real meaning of Christmas joy and in search of comfort and reassurance in this difficult time. While still others, will find the true spirit of Christmas in helping those who are less fortunate and for who the holidays offer little joy.

Still others will find little enjoyment at all in the holiday season, as they will be consumed with worry about where their next meal will be coming from, or how they are going to manage to keep the lights on another month.

Advertisers will try and convince everyone that having the latest new toy or gadget is the only way to enjoy the holiday, while store owners and managers will complain that consumers are simply not buying again this year and will try and convince us that only by spending money we don't have, can we hope to jump start the economy.

Meanwhile, there will be more people than ever before standing in line at missions and soup kitchens hoping to get the first adequate meal they have had in days, feeling grateful for whatever little warmth and cheer comes their way.

Some people will become depressed, some will hold tight to what little they have, and some will find a measure of joy and true Christmas spirit.

One thing, however, is sure; all of us will be affected by the economy in some way or another this Christmas. For everyone who gives up hope, someone else will find a small hope to cling to. For everyone who takes advantage of someone this Christmas, there will be someone else willing to give something back. For every person who feels there is no goodness left in this world, others will find the goodness in others and themselves.

The bad economy of Christmas 2009 will bring out our weaknesses and strengthens, our sorrows and joys, and will in one way or another create a Christmas to remember in the hearts and minds of us all.
(Source: Martie Lownsberry)