I’ve received emails and messages this Christmas from all over the world, and from people of many different faiths. I’ve loved the Christmas memories, every one of them — short or long, simple or profound. I’ve started compiling them into one page, called the Keeping Christmas Forum.
Now this won’t surprise you — not one memory is about the gifts. Not one. Nobody remembers how many gifts they received, how many cards they sent, how beautiful the decorations, or how perfectly planned the parties. People remember things that last, and nearly all of them fall into three categories:
1. Jesus Christ
2. Family togetherness
3. Kindness in a time of need
So if you’re currently up to your eyeballs in last-minute Christmas things to do, just ask yourself, “Will it last?” And maybe specifically these questions: “Will it increase our faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ?”, “Will it strengthen our family?” or “Will it help someone in need.?” If your answer is “no,” then maybe it can wait. Or maybe it’s okay if you don’t do it at all.
I love the following little story, posted by Nicole, about the first Christmas after her mother died, and the gift of love from her brother that made all the difference:
Whenever I think of the true meaning of the Christmas season I always think of the Christmas after the passing of my mother. It was our first Christmas with out her and things were going all wrong. My mom did everything for our family especially at Christmas time! Because she was gone we were left to do the things she always selflessly and lovingly did for us! But because of our desperate longing for her to be with us and maybe even our denial that she wasn’t there we had left all the things of the season undone! I was sixteen at the time and I remember going to bed Christmas Eve feeling really weird that for the first time we didn’t have a Christmas tree. That night my brother stayed up all night and made a Christmas tree out of Christmas lights! When I woke up Christmas morning, I had received one of the best gifts of love. No sweater or ipod could make me feel so loved than I did that day! My brother truly was the Lord’s hands in my life that day!
I hope you’ll take the time to read more of the Keeping Christmas comments and add some thoughts of your own.
Enjoy!
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This is most likely my father in laws last CHristmas with us here on earth, so we are really striving to remember the savior’s blessings upon us. He loves to hear me sing, and I would love to play this for him on Christmas Eve. I’d like a copy of the sheet music. thank you
Some of my favorite Christmas memories include watching my children, and now my grandchildren get excited about the GIVING part of Christmas… I love that.. planning and preparing something simple to give to siblings, or parents…and also giving to those children who are not as fortunate as themselves… Children are so simple, and so sincere… just giving from the heart… I have a young grandson who recently worked hard all week to earn points to be able to purchase a gift for a younger sister… so touching to me… he sacrificed for that gift out of love… what an example to me.. Those are the examples that bring Christ back into Christmas… He lived His life for me and gave the Ultimate Gift for me… out of divine love. I thank Him for that gift from the deepest part of my heart!!
Tina, thanks for sharing. I too love that moment when they realize that it really is more blessed (and more fun) to give than to receive. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Every Christmas my husband, two children, and I quickly open our gifts and have breakfast at home before heading to my parents’ house to spend the rest of the day with my family. One year the family went to spend Christmas in Florida with my brother, but due to financial constraints, we decided not to go. Instead of rushing through gift giving and breakfast, we stayed in our pajamas most of the day, played board games, worked on a 3-D jigsaw puzzle, and enjoyed a huge sub sandwich from Quick Chek for Christmas dinner. It was the only Christmas we spent in our own home, and decidedly the best Christmas we ever had.
Shawna,
I wrote to you a few weeks back about your song, “Do You Have Room”. I shared it with my daughter Jess, who has been waiting on a heart transplant @ Emory Hospital in Atlanta. My story continues. Jess called me on Christmas Eve. In a little girl voice she tells me ,”Mama, I am trying to be strong. It is so hard to be away from home at Christmas.” I pray for her and ask her to go to the nurses station and sing Christmas carols to the night staff. I remind her that God’s timing is perfect. He would only send His best for her. Nothing else would do. We tell each other how much we love the other. This morning At 230 am (Dec 27th) we get the much awaited call. She has a donor heart that is a perfect match. GOD IS SO GOOD. We claim His promises and have continued to pray Psalms 91. It is 11 pm and the transplant nurse called to tell us that Jess is stable.They are completing her surgery. What a gift our heavenly Father has given me. It is almost like giving birth to Jess the first time. But with the knowledge that she is a Believer in Jesus Christ. Her faith has seen her through this journey and she has much to do for her Father (Jeremiah 29:11). I can not sit still I am so excited, waiting to watch her grow through her new journey with a healthy “physical” heart and a renewed spiritual awareness. I give God all the glory.
Tammy Godwin (2011)
Beautiful song. Thank you for writing it and sharing it with us.
Thanks for sharing your talents with others. The song is a beautiful one about “The Atonement” which is very important to me.
The song Miracle was Beautiful and truly inspiring. So much so, that I would very much appreciate receiving a copy of the sheet music. I am occasionally asked to sing in Sacrament meeting and this song would make an ideal item.