The year is almost over, and with Christmas around the corner, it’s easy to lose control. During this time of year—especially in the days leading up to Christmas—people tend to be more stressed than relaxed. Our minds are full of things to do: we need to organize everything with our families, prepare as much food as possible, and attend to one particularly urgent task: gifts. But why do we truly celebrate Christmas? What is the real meaning of it?

For many, the most important thing before Christmas is buying gifts. The little story about the old man with a long white beard, dressed in red and white, has made us believe that Christmas isn’t Christmas without gifts. So, we feel it’s necessary to buy presents for all our friends and family members. And now it’s time to search for and find them. But there’s a little problem: everyone else has also left everything until the last minute, just like you, and now you find yourself trying to find gifts in the middle of a human tide.

“Operation Gifts” turns into a mission impossible. There are too many people, endless queues, hundreds of products with exorbitant prices, and not enough time. As you watch money flying out of your wallet and your card nearly on fire, you realize it’s impossible to buy gifts for everyone. When you’re about to lose hope—or lose your mind—you somehow manage to find everything you “need” and head home. All the gifts are placed under the Christmas tree; we celebrate, we eat, we drink, we open the gifts, and we say goodbye to Christmas for another year. But what is the true meaning of Christmas?

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” – Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Some people may think about Santa Claus and gifts, others about eating and drinking, and some may see it as a time to enjoy with family and friends—or perhaps a combination of all these things. But is that all? Well, there’s something more. Christmas is, in fact, the day we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Yes, I know—most people know that. But when the day arrives, why does everyone seem to forget about it? Imagine it’s your birthday. Everyone buys gifts, prepares food, and gathers together to celebrate, but you’re not invited. In fact, nobody even remembers you. Sad, isn’t it?

Where am I going with this? Christmas is a day to remember and commemorate the most wonderful thing we have as human beings, and that, my friends, is called love. That’s what Jesus taught us: to love unconditionally, to love without boundaries, to love our neighbor as ourselves. Whether you’re a believer or not, if you celebrate Christmas, don’t let Santa Claus, materialism, and the consumerism of society distract you from what’s truly important: love.

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” – Hamilton Wright Mabie

So don’t feel pressured by society to buy the best and most expensive gifts or to spend lots of money on extravagant amounts of food. Don’t stress about going to places or meeting people you’d rather not see. Don’t feel down if you’re alone on Christmas Day. Don’t feel sad if your kids aren’t getting any gifts—because that’s not what Christmas is about. That’s just what society has made us believe. The real meaning of Christmas is to be grateful—for what we have and the opportunity to love and be loved. Enjoy this moment, no matter your current circumstances. Raise your glass and make a toast because today, you are alive!

What is the meaning of Christmas? It’s to remember that love conquers hate. May all our actions, thoughts, the food we eat, the music we hear, and the words we say reflect only love—because love is what saved us and will continue to save us forever. Merry Christmas!