It's Christmas time there's no need to be afraid...

I am one of the few who still believes in the true meaning of Christmas, but still, when this time of year approaches, I can't help the pesimism hit me. I hate commercialism, the tinsel, the presents, the christmas trees... and most of all, the bloody christmas songs. There are only two I actually like; fairytale of new york, and the other: Band Aid.

Whenever Band Aid has played, I have always felt that sense of guilt that it provokes. Ironic right? A song written, plugged, sung, recorded and promoted by celebrities, about poverty. Morally, it should be a song I hate, but there's some inherent charm to it that I can't dislike. True, it's an arrogant, moneyed attempt at raising awareness, but it's a song I love.

The one thing that gets me is that the attempt at raising awareness is completely lost on the audience the song has reached. True, the sales of the record have helped alot of people, but money only goes so far, and truth be told, the majority of people who have bought the song (especially the '20' version) have done so because they like the artists who feature. YES, I am grateful that these artists have decided to help a good cause, but really, how much has this record and the one before it really helped?

Wouldn't it be a lot more helpful if the self indulgent celebrities (AND US TOO) of the world didn't give just their time, but gave their money to people who needed it more?

YES, feed the world. But honestly, the people who are starving in Africa, and across the world, let's be honest, do not give a fuck if it is Christmas time, they give a fuck about supporting themselves and their families.

After all, I thought that was what Christmas was all about; not being selfish for ONE day in the year, and not using religion as an excuse for buying your kid, your friend, whatever the latest toy or gadget, but for helping out people. For helping people who have no one else to turn to.

I don't care what people think, religious or not, but that, to me, is the meaning of Christmas. So if you have a conscience, any sense of morality, you may read this and take something from it. For those who do, Merry Christmas; keep giving.