It’s almost Christmas, and all too often this final week becomes a flurry of frantic shopping, expensive travel, rushed cleaning, stressful planning, and frustrated family arguments—all of which sound like the true spirit of Christmas, right? Maybe not so much. Still, we’ve all experienced the stress of the season. When I find myself in those moments, I try to pause and remember the things I truly love about Christmas. Over the years, I’ve discovered the pieces that matter most to me.
Christmas is giving.
Children anticipate Christmas morning for months, hoping for all the presents they asked Santa for. The excitement is so tangible—it hangs in the air with each shred of wrapping paper as they tear into their gifts. They want to receive, not give. But as a parent, I can tell you that I get just as excited watching my kids and grandkids open the gifts I know they’ve been waiting for. One of my favorite things is wrapping presents, because as I do, I imagine each person’s smile when they receive that gift—picked just for them and hopefully bringing joy to their heart. I’ve received many wonderful gifts in life, but I’ve come to realize I enjoy giving far more than receiving.
Deuteronomy 16:17 reminds us, “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” Whether it’s something handmade or a big-ticket item, we should give as the Lord has given to us. When you give from the heart—to loved ones or to those in need—it matters so much more. I hope my kids discover that truth, because it makes Christmas even sweeter.
I’ve received many wonderful gifts in life, but I’ve come to realize I enjoy giving far more than receiving.
Christmas is together.
I grew up always spending holidays with family. Sometimes we traveled, sometimes we hosted, but someone was always around. When I went to college and met friends who hadn’t grown up that way, I realized how many families didn’t prioritize celebrating together. It didn’t mean they didn’t love one another—they just didn’t make it a focus.
I also became aware of how many people don’t have anyone to celebrate with. I moved about a thousand miles away for college, and the first Christmas I couldn’t travel home, I was heartbroken. It just didn’t feel like Christmas without my family. A friend invited me to his home for Christmas Day, and even though I barely knew his family, it meant everything.
I hope we remember those who may not have a circle of loved ones and invite them in. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling,” 1 Peter 4:9 tells us. It’s easy to grumble about difficult family members or coworkers, but welcoming them may mean more than we realize. Together really is better.
Christmas is music.
Yes, I’m that person who listens to Christmas music as soon as the stations start playing in November—and I’m proud of it! I love Christmas music. No other holiday gets its own radio stations and takes over playlists for over a month. And it’s wonderful that so many of those songs celebrate the birth of Christ. Music lifts my spirit and brings joy to my day. Psalm 98:1 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” What a beautiful way to worship our Lord and celebrate the incredible reason for Christmas.
Christmas is sparkle.
My children like to tease me because I often sit in the living room at night with the lights off, just watching the sparkle of the Christmas tree. I’m also the mom who loads everyone into the car to drive around and look at Christmas lights. I buy glittery cards. I love when it snows at night and sparkles in the morning sun.
But I hope my kids learn that it’s not just about the shine and shimmer—it’s about the wonder. Christmas is one of the few times of year when people slow down and savor the moment. Psalm 118:23 says, “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Every bit of Christmas sparkle reminds me of that truth.
Christmas is love.
So many of the earthly and commercial traditions of Christmas point back to love. But there is no love greater than the love our heavenly Father showed us by sending His Son to be born in a humble stable and ultimately die for each of us. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” That is love. That is the Lord. And that is what Christmas is truly about.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Dina Newsom
