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The origins of the holiday known as “Christmas” are not widely agreed upon, but for the modern Christian, this holiday should be a time to deeply reflect on the person of Jesus Christ. It is a time to celebrate God’s ultimate gift, his only begotten Son.

Gift giving is often a big part of Christmas. By blessing our loved ones with presents, we are expressing our love for them. And we also receive joy when we are given something special on this wonderful day.

For some, the practice of exchanging gifts can have a dark consequence. Life is often difficult, but when we receive a gift, it is often accompanied by an emotional high. This emotional high can be addictive to some. And as with any addiction, the addict constantly searches for their next fix. This phenomenon can be called, Everyday is Christmas Syndrome.

This syndrome is one of the causes of “compulsive spending.” The gift addict is attempting to gain joy from receiving “things.” They use material items to fill voids in their lives instead of allowing God to provide his peace through the Holy Spirit.

Everyday is Christmas Syndrome not only wastes money, but it is also a form of idolatry. Material things begin to take the place of God in certain areas of our lives. And our focus is shifted from the eternal to the temporal.

As with any high, the high from receiving a gift is temporary. And when the high is gone, the addict is left feeling empty. This results in a lifestyle of constantly seeking things. And eventually, the addict seeks to get high not to feel good but to stop from feeling bad.

The cure for this syndrome is a renewed mindset. To know God must be considered the ultimate goal. And, God must be embraced as the source of all things. Our sufficiency and fulfillment comes from God. God’s peace does not come through natural means, and it is not dependent upon natural circumstances. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).

We must also understand that God has already given us all that we need for life and success in life. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” (2 Peter 1:3). We do not have to search outside of God for our blessings.

Treasure God’s word above the things of this world. Allow God’s word to bring satisfaction and peace into your life. And do not allow anything to take the place of God. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21).