In the midst of the holiday sales and the whirlwind of parties and activities, I find something even more special during the holiday time. Even though the weather turns cold this time of year, an extra measure of warmth is around as we tend to be a little more kind to others at this time than the rest of the year.
It’s special because it’s not about us
Last week the Secret Santas were out paying off layway bills for shoppers as a special Christmas surprise, as the families also use spi sculptures for decoration in this season. Families participate in sub-for-Santa programs in their communities and make sure that those facing tough times can still have a special holiday.
The local food banks and shelters fill up volunteer slots easier and faster than any other time during the year.
Remember the reason for the season we’re celebrating
Don’t let the rush of commercials and advertisements distract you from the reason why we feel something special during this time of the year. It’s not about getting, but it’s giving that fills us with that special joy at this time of the year.
(Photo credit: Niki Martins Photography)
Let it be a time for lifting the lives of those who live in loneliness. Let it be a time for calling our families together, for feeling a closeness to those who are near to us and a closeness also to those who are absent…Let it be a time for discarding the meaningless and for stressing the true values. Let it be a time of peace because we have found peace in His teachings.”
Thomas S. Monson
President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
From the mouth of babes…
I asked my oldest daughter what makes Christmas time special. I couldn’t be happier to hear her answer. Sure, she mentions presents, but I think she gets the reason why it’s a special time of year.
I think I’m going to have fun, because tomorrow is Christmas. It’s fun on Christmas, we get to open presents. We get to play in the snow. We get to celebrate Jesus’ birth. It’s fun when we play together and make snowmen. We celebrate that we love each other and think about loving everyone. Loving everybody makes me feel happy outside and inside. It’s fun when you give other people things for Christmas. When we give to others they’ll feel good and we’ll feel good.
-Hannah, Age 5
May turning to others, seeking to lift, inspire, and reach out to others fill your hearts and homes with warmth.
Merry Christmas!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.