In the words of Ronald Reagan, “Christmas is a holiday that we celebrate not as individuals, nor as a nation, but as a human family.” To me, this quote means no matter what holiday you celebrate you as an individual take the focus off of yourself and put it on someone else or something else that furthers thankfulness, love, and gratitude. Here’s three ways my family and I remember the true meaning of this season.
We gather as a family and give gifts. Giving gifts for our family isn’t about “me.” It’s about the other person. What does this person need or desire? My family and I aren’t in need of anything, but I think something most gift givers forget is it doesn’t have to be a big screen TV or a brand-new car! It could be as simple as a box of chocolates. When you give a gift, this season remember who it’s for.
My family has also had my home is your home policy. We look for friends who may not be as blessed as we are and invite them over for Christmas dinner. We deepen our relationship with them and let them know they’re loved and wanted.
Our church also helps give back as a family as well. We participate in an organization called Operation Christmas Child, where we buy gifts for other children from extremely poor countries and place the gifts in shoe boxes. This program is run by Samaritan’s Purse which is founded by Franklin Graham.
How are you going to remember the reason for the season? What are you grateful for? What do you focus on this time of year and how will you influence going into 2022?
