The "Spirit of Christmas" is a phrase with a long history in American pop culture. It first appears in the mid-19th century, and is often given religious overtones, suggesting that the "true meaning of Christmas" is the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.
But in pop culture usage, overt religious references are mostly avoided, and the "true meaning" is taken to be a sort of introspective and benevolent attitude as opposed to the commercialization of Christmas which has been lamented since at least the 1850's.
The poem ‘A Visit From St. Nicholas’ written in 1822, helped popularize the tradition of exchanging gifts, and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance. Harriet Beecher Stowe criticizes the commercialization of Christmas in her story "Christmas; or, the Good Fairy". An early expression of this sentiment using the phrase of "the true meaning" is found in The American magazine, Vol. 28 in 1889.
"To give up one's very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas” The phrase is especially associated with Charles Dickens'‘A Christmas Carol’ written in 1843, in which an old miser is taught the true meaning of Christmas by three ghostly visitors who review his past and foretell his future.
The first purpose of Christmas is celebration! We learn this from the angel's opening statement to the shepherds of Bethlehem. God had wonderful news for us that would cause us all to rejoice, celebrate, and throw a party: "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:10
The good news of Christmas is worth celebrating for three reasons. It is personal: "I bring YOU." It is positive: "GOOD news of great joy." And it is universal: "for ALL the people." It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, where you've been, or where you're headed — this news is for you. It unquestionably means to be happy, joyful and light-hearted.
Wishing everyone all over the world a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!