Children are mesmerized with Christmas. They can hardly keep their eyes shut on Christmas Eve, and the innocent excitement written on their faces when they wake parents up at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning is enough to make anyone keep the Santa secret.

The thrill of Christmas from a child’s perspective is so much more than just getting a few pretty gifts that are wrapped under the tree. It’s watching them take in all the family and friends gathered together to celebrate something that is much bigger than a toy or gadget that has been on their wish list for months.

It’s not just those under 12 who can’t contain themselves during the holiday season. It’s the stubborn, rebel teenager and the people in their twenties who are just starting careers. It’s the parents of kindergarteners and the brand new grandparents. People everywhere, young and old, get giddy at Christmas time. There is something special about houses being decked in lights and trees being hung with memories in ornament form.

Christmas is a time for people to celebrate the love shared between family, friends, and even strangers. Families participate in holiday traditions and gift giving, while enjoying food with one another. The celebration of strangers during the holiday season is something that proves the good in the world far outweighs the bad. People give to charities and help strangers they’ve never met.

Christmas truly brings out the best in people. Even the bah humbugs and Grinches of the world get a bit of joy in their hearts when they hear Christmas carols or receive a small gift.

Christmas isn’t just for the kids. Christmas is for the homeless and the billionaires. Christmas is for the meek and the giant. Christmas is for the red, yellow, black, and white. The heart of Christmas is for everyone.

Don’t be afraid to let the spirit of Christmas take over you like it does an innocent child. Take a few minutes to think of someone less fortunate. Forego getting yet another me-me-me item and instead give to Toys for Tots. Serve a meal at a shelter. Drop a few dollars in the Salvation Army bucket. Go out of your way to make someone’s holiday season a little more cheerful. Set an example for the children in your life. Teach them to grow up with Christmas as a time of wonder and good will. Give them something that will never lose its value.