Why do people celebrate Christmas even if they are not Christians? Why do we cling to a belief in Santa Claus long after the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and other icons of our childhood have faded away?

Perhaps it is because we need Christmas and all it stands for - from the belief that a tiny baby born in a stable could redeem the world to the belief that there is good in the world.

At least once a year, we need to think about peace on Earth and goodwill toward men.

We haven't been able to bring about peace on Earth. But Christmas gives us time to reflect and sometimes pause our hostilities, at least for a little while.

At least once a year, we need to be reminded of the need to help others.

We all have the opportunity to play "Santa Claus" - collecting for or giving to charities, providing food and presents to those in need, preserving the magic of a special time.

The complaint that Christmas has become too commercial isn't new. It was an old complaint even when the line was used in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" more than 40 years ago.

But the underlying messages of Christmas cannot be crushed by commercialism.

When a child's face lights up at the sight of Santa Claus, our faces light up, too.

The spirit of Christmas is all around us

w Generous contributions are made to the Pantagraph's Good Fellow Fund, WJBC's Brotherhood Tree and the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program.

w A gold coin is dropped in a red kettle for the Salvation Army. This is the 10th year a gold coin has shown up in a Bloomington-Normal kettle.

w Delta Sigma Phi, a fraternity at Illinois State University, gives a much-needed wagon to special-needs preschoolers at Metcalf School.

w A coat drive at St. John United Church of Christ in Lincoln provides not only more than 100 coats but also hats, mittens and gloves.

w Students at Pontiac Christian School put together special shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and other items for children in other countries.

w Cheerleaders at Normal Community West High School collect canned goods for Home Sweet Home Ministries at a basketball game.

These are only a few of many examples.

Often, the material items given as a result of these drives or individual actions are only part of the gift. The knowledge that others care, that you are not forgotten, can be equally if not more important to someone in need.

That is the true message of Christmas.