Less is more: The true meaning of Christmas

So today is Christmas.

Something not many people know about me is that I studied theology. At a time when women could not be ordained in the NG Church, I joined 50 men to study the deeper meaning of the Bible at Stellenbosch University.

Despite (or perhaps because of) my studies, I have long since parted ways with organised religion. However, I still continue my journey of seeking spiritual connection and meaning in the world - something I think all people long for.

So on the this day when billions of people around the world celebrate Christmas, I find myself again thinking about the fundamental message behind all the celebrations.

Christians (practicing and non-practicing) of course believe that it is a celebration of the birth of baby Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem.

The circumstances were certainly less than ideal for a little baby to be born into. There was no midwife, no bed for Mary to give birth on, no baby crib, no car seat to strap on a donkey afterwards, not even clothes for the baby to wear. For all we know it was only dad Joseph and the animals present in the stable.

It is this birth, in the humblest and simplest of circumstances, that we celebrate today.

Yet, increasingly it seems to me that we are moving further and further away from the message of this birth over 2 000 years ago.

I don't want to go all Scrooge on you, but let's face it. Christmas and our lives in general have become more and more about stuff.

We acquire stuff to prove that we have made it in life, that we are good parents, that we deserve respect.

Cars, houses, clothes, cellphones, make up, shoes etc., etc. All to prove to ourselves and others that we are somebody. This obsession escalates into a frenzy as we get closer to the 25th of December.