For many of us, Christmas conjures images of glittering trees, perfectly wrapped presents and holiday lights twinkling in every corner. And yet, for me, it has always been about the people gathered around the tree.
I remember my earliest Christmases growing up on my parents’ dairy farm. Our pine Christmas trees were cut right from the pasture. They were far from perfect with their uneven branches and overwhelming scent of sap and pine. And it was truly amazing what a whole lot of tinsel could do for a lopsided pine tree. As the years went by, we upgraded from tree farm pines to a realistic artificial tree. But each tree carried the promise of togetherness, smiles and shared memories as my siblings and I eagerly waited for Mom to hand us our Christmas ornaments – ones we had crafted ourselves or ones that had been gifted by family in years past.
As my siblings and I grew older and our lives became busier with high school activities, college and careers, a tradition my mother started was waiting to put up the family Christmas tree until everyone was home. While some people put up their trees the day after Thanksgiving, my mom would wait until we all traveled home and were together again to decorate the tree, just like when we were little. Even if that meant putting the tree up a few short days before Christmas itself. The tree didn’t matter; the people around it did.
This year, I’m especially excited to return home for Christmas and New Year's. I can’t wait to fly back to my parents’ dairy farm in Kansas, where the familiar sounds of cows, the scent of manure and Christmas lights adorning my childhood home will greet me. I am most looking forward to snuggling my new baby nephew, catching up with family and even helping with farm chores. Those shared moments of laughter, the hugs and the quiet peace of being together in front of our living room fireplace and tree are what make Christmas meaningful to me.
In Tom Heck’s article, he writes, “It isn’t the Christmas tree or the presents under it that make Christmas. We certainly love to give gifts to one another and put them under our special tree. In our early married years, we could buy very few gifts, but that didn’t matter a lot. We had the greatest gift of all – Jesus – the real meaning of Christmas.”
It isn’t the tree or the presents under it that define the holiday. It’s the people who gather around, the shared stories and the traditions passed year to year from generation to generation. And it’s that sense of family and of gratitude that truly fills the heart. Because at its core, Christmas is about the greatest gift ever given, Jesus. His birth is the reason we celebrate and the light that brings hope to our homes and peace to our hearts.
So, this Christmas, whether your tree is perfectly shaped, a Charlie Brown pine or somewhere in between, remember what really matters: the people you share it with and the Savior whose love makes it all possible.
From our Progressive Publishing family to yours, may your holiday season be filled with love, laughter and the warmth of those around your Christmas tree.
