What Christmas Means to Me

This Christmas season at Woodside, we’d love for you and your family to be reminded of the sentiment of Christmas through the eyes of the next generation. We’ve asked one of our middle school students, Poppy K., to share with us what Christmas means to her. As you read, reflect on your own Christmas traditions and be reminded of the true meaning of this season.

“Santa Claus is coming to town!” We hear the familiar song as our family is in the kitchen prepping for Christmas Eve. Except this time, it’s not Santa that’s coming to town; it’s family that’s coming to town! That’s exactly what Christmas means to me – time spent with family together. 

I love spending time with my family during the Christmas season. We watch movies, play games, share gifts, bake, and much more.  And when I say family, I mean both my biological family and close friends sharing experiences and creating moments together that make our December. 

Maybe the enjoyment of being with family is a gift from God. God set the first example of being with family and friends on the very first Christmas. Shepherds and wise men gathered together to welcome and celebrate the birth of Jesus. God loved His family so much that He came to be with us. Luke 2:11 says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” God sent His son to earth not only to spend time with His earthly family but also to die for His family. Reflecting on God’s grand plan to save his people is humbling. God sent his son to die for us so we can be together with him again one day. 

Families can have their differences. In Home Alone, one of our favorite Christmas movies, Kevin’s elderly neighbor hasn’t spoken to his son in months. Yet they reconcile on Christmas day. Christmas is a time of togetherness and unity, even in the movies. Families that are separated (by border or feelings) come together to laugh, talk, hug, and create new memories. This is what Christmas means to me – kindness, love, and compassion – with Jesus as our prime example.

We are not only part of biological families but also families created through a relationship with Jesus: our heavenly and church families. Whether you realize it or not, everyone here at Woodside is part of one huge, loving church family! Praise God!

Having family and friends are a blessing. Sometimes people don’t know who their family is, so I also encourage you to love on the lonely, as Jesus did. Bring them to church, drive around looking at Christmas lights, or enjoy a cup of coffee with conversation. These are great ways to help someone without a family feel almost like they do have one! 

As I reflect on what Christmas means to me, I feel very grateful. I am grateful for a Savior who loves me, who was born on this day. I am also grateful for an amazing family that loves me and encourages me day after day. Woodside has been a great extension of my family, and I am grateful to not only spend Sundays there but also Christmas Eve! I have made so many great memories at our Christmas Eve service. And, of course, I am grateful for a glorious two weeks off of school!