Where have all the presents gone?

Christmas just isn't what it used to be. I remember the stringed lights flashing on the brightly decorated plastic tree that dropped glossy, multicolored ribbon on the maroon carpet of my crowded living room. The smell of delicious ham and tamales emanated from the kitchen. All the while, the scratched pink boom box on top of the television played Christmas songs, like "Feliz Navidad," on tape. \nNow that I'm older, I still see all the decoration and festivity every December. But there's one thing missing, besides the pink boom box, that is. The thing that Christmas has always been about -- the thing that puts hope in the hearts of young children. The things we worship every Christmas. \nPresents! \nOh, and I also seem to recall a manger somewhere or other, but I could be wrong. It's not something I'm proud to say but we all know it's true. Christianity comes second. The presents are the entire reason the holiday is so popular. \nDespite the emphasis on gift giving, a lot of people have trouble picking out presents for others. On the other hand, we were much easier to please when we were younger. \nAll my parents had to do was go to the toy store and pick up any X-Men action figure I didn't already have, and I was ecstatic. A Sega Genesis videogame was equally pleasing. \nMost young kids aren't very picky about their presents. \nAs long as it's a toy, they're happy, unless they're like my little sister who doesn't care what's inside, she just likes unwrapping it. It's great seeing her go from present to present not even taking anything out of the box, ignoring my mom's repeated requests to show us what's inside. But I digress. \nChristmas used to be so easy when I was a kid, there were so many things I wanted and my parents knew exactly what they were. Now getting presents is more of a chore. My parents don't know what I want anymore, or what I want they can't afford nor do they care to. \nInstead of an iPod, I get a jigsaw puzzle of the Grand Canyon or socks or long underwear. I'm always grateful, but not getting good presents takes all the fun out of Christmas. \nNow it's only about an old plastic tree, gluttony and a nativity scene. Where's the fun in that?\nI guess when you're older you are supposed to appreciate Christmas for its true meaning and not the material things. Christmas symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ, but in this modern day, it's easy to forget what we should be truly thankful for: Life, family and happiness. \nBut I say, why can't I have both? Bring on the iPods and the spirituality, I'm thankful for both. We can all get good presents and be mature enough to understand what our gifts really symbolize. \nI wonder if the Bible is on iTunes.