Written and media by Kelsey Neier.
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Christmas: The annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth. Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. Remembering Jesus’ birth is what we should focus on first and foremost. We celebrate the birth of our Savior and find peace knowing we will be with him when our physical life is over and spiritual life begins. Jesus is the core of Christmas, but there are many other traditions families have that make Christmas special.
Lights and Snowball Fights
When I think of Christmas, I think of lights and decorations. Our house is filled with snowmen, santa, and a big tree filled with colorful lights and ornaments. We also have stockings, a nativity scene and warm fireplace. I love seeing colored lights, clear lights and icicles hanging around our neighborhood. Each house has its own Christmas personality and it’s fun to see how everyone decorates. Some houses keep their decorations simple and classy while others put up any Christmas decorations they can find. Lights make people happy and without them, the season just wouldn’t be the same. Everyone loves to go for a drive with their family and appreciate each other’s lights. Also, it is always wonderful when there is a beautiful dusting of snow on the ground to make a snowman or have a snowball fight.
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Food, Food and More Food
I also think of warm chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows. Our family bakes lots of sweets like Russian tea cakes and Velveeta fudge. I love coming home to a house that smells like fresh cookies. On Christmas day, my family members bring different kinds of food and meet at my aunt Judy’s house where we eat dinner. We have a large variety of food that everyone finds delicious. Baking is a good stress reliever and you get to reward yourself with yummy food!
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Christmas Music All Day Every Day
I have to mention those classic Christmas songs and movies. I love listening to “Mary Did You Know”, “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”, and watching movies like “Rudolph” and “Elf”. I feel like I’ve missed out on Christmas if I don’t listen to holiday music and movies. The best time to appreciate them is right smack in the holiday season. I love when my work plays Christmas music so I don’t have to listen to the same repetitive pop songs all day. I would much rather have holiday songs stuck in my head.
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It’s Time to Spread the Cheer
Christmas is a time to be kind to each other and spend time appreciating family and friends. Though we live in a crazy world, we can find comfort in Jesus this holiday season. It’s a great time to do good for others. Maybe hold the door open for someone or pay for someone’s meal. Remember Christmas is not supposed to be a stressful time but rather a time to reflect on all the good people and joy we have in our lives. These things are what come to mind this season. I’ve asked my family to tell me what Christmas means to them. Here is what they had to say:
