Christmas is a happy time; yes, it is. There is the anticipation, for all of us, but, especially for our children.

It seems as if nothing matches our children’s excitement, and the look on their angelic faces as when they run down the stairs on Christmas morning to find Santa’s surprises under the tree. That’s especially the case for those from age 3 to 7 or so.

During those early years, the only risk is for the child who decides to “creep down the stairs to have a peek” and, perhaps, finds mommy kissing Santa Claus. Sometime after that, when letters to Santa fall by the wayside, the joy of giving remains high, at least initially. However, for many people, it begins an inexorable slide, which introduces another reality.

Christmas is a difficult time; yes, it is.

For some, the difficulty flows from the basic tasks of planning, preparation, decorating, shopping, and the frenetic pace to get things done in time.

For others, it’s the stress, worry and anxiety that flow from not having the wherewithal to provide for their families and fulfill the wants and needs their children have, including the special ones they have this time of year. Understandably, they don’t like the feelings that ensue.

Again this year, times are tough. But, what’s different now is more people are out of jobs. As a result, wallets are thinner; and gifts, if any, will be fewer; which introduces another reality.

Christmas is a solemn time; yes, it is.

Most of us will respect, but not all will honor, the birth of the baby Lord Jesus. The prophet Isaiah recorded for all of us to know what God assigned to his son, Jesus, as his eventual job description while here on earth:

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.”

Last year, we noted that “perhaps, not just those feeling strapped, but every one of us is being given an opportunity to better understand there is yet a higher level of giving, a sharing — of a holy spirit — with each other”.

When we give of ourselves to each other, we honor the good, the Godliness, in all of us. When we sacrifice in order to give of ourselves, we exercise our own self-respect.

When each of us shoulder our responsibilities for ourselves, our family and for each other; we fulfill God’s job description for each and every one of his children that we are to govern ourselves. Indeed, this is both a solemn and awesome responsibility.

Why is Christmas awesome? Christmas is our brother’s birthday!

Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications, a professional member of the National Speakers Association and founder of Citizens For Change. He can be reached at Rich@Olivastro.NET or 877.RichSpeaks.