Many people nowadays think of Christmas as a time to be cheerful, get gifts from Santa Claus, put up a tree and hang stockings, or spend quality time with family. Some think of Christmas as the sacred celebration of Jesus’s birth, while others don’t celebrate Christmas at all.

Christmas is important to me because it’s a celebration of the birth of my Savior and an opportunity for me to be closer to God. Because of his Son, Jesus, I have hope. I have life through Him. I’m a new person now! Sure, it’s a time to celebrate with nice things like good food and presents, but it’s also a time to honor God, spend time with those I love, and think of others before myself. Christmas is a reminder that I should strive to be who Christ wants me to be. This means loving others – which includes caring for those that are different from me and those I don’t get along with, as well as helping the less fortunate…because everyone deserves to have a good Christmas (and an amazing rest of the year)!

Christmas brings the chance to celebrate the gift of life. It’s the perfect time to come together and rejoice in our blessings!

That’s why Christmas is so much more to me than a mere holiday that happens every December 25th.

If you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another holiday, write to us and let us know what makes it so special for you!