The Real Meaning of Christmas

By Diana Covarrubias


The economy might be low, but Christmas spirit is high in the air.

With Christmas just a few days away, it would be normal to see every house full of lights and consumers shopping like crazy for presents. However, the economy in South Gate seems to be showing no signs of improvement and it is having a huge impact on every aspect of some people’s lives, including Christmas.
Anjanette Villegas, a senior from South East High School, said, “I don’t think I am getting any presents this Christmas, because my parents don’t have money anymore.” This year many people are just trying to get by, those without small children at home may not have Christmas at all this year, trying to make sure they can survive one more month with their bills paid. Stephanie Portillo, a sophomore from SEHS, said, “Everyone in the family used to get presents. Now only the little kids get presents, because they still believe in Santa.”
In an attempt to reduce utility costs during the holiday season people are putting out fewer decorations. Villegas said, “Everything is so expensive, food, gas, people just don’t have enough money anymore.” Villegas is right the costs of everyday items seem to continually climb; meanwhile salaries are often being frozen or cut. Mirbella Hernandez, a senior from SEHS, said, “My dad doesn’t work as many hours and without hours we don’t get as much money.”
This year a lot of people won’t have enough money for big family reunions, maybe not even for a traditional large turkey dinner. Those students that are use to receiving big, expensive Christmas presents will find fewer gifts under the tree this year due to financial restraints.
Hernandez said, “My parents are tight on money right now they have to be selective about what they buy [these] days.” Gifts, which were once the focal point on this holiday, are now taking a backseat as we look for other less expensive ways to celebrate Christmas. These days people are opting for homemade gifts, putting spending limits on gifts, or drawing names at random trying to make sure that everyone gets at least one gift.
Still others will find little enjoyment this holiday, as they will be consumed with worries about where their next meal will be coming from. There may be a lot more people standing in line at missions and soup kitchens hoping to get the first proper meal they have had in days, feeling grateful for whatever they receive.
One thing is sure: all of us will be affected by the bad economy one way or another this Christmas. Some people will become depressed, some will hold tight to the little they have, and some will find true Christmas spirit. A bad economy may impact Christmas, but absolutely nothing can stop its celebration.