Celebrating Family, Friends, and the Love of Christ
Christmas is a time to gather with loved ones, share cherished traditions, and reflect on the Savior’s birth. This past Christmas, I experienced the beauty of family in a unique way, reconnecting with loved ones in Texas—a place I had only recently left to start a new chapter in Utah. The journey itself was part of the celebration, a reminder of the ties that bind us and the Savior’s role in making those connections meaningful.
The Journey Back to Texas
Just a month after moving to Utah, I found myself loading up the car with my daughter and one of the children of the family I now live with to make the drive back to Texas. The rest of their family was in a second car since my daughter and I were staying a few days longer. There’s something special about road trips during the holidays—the laughter, the shared snacks, and the quiet moments of reflection while the miles roll by.
Arriving in Texas—well, on the other side of Texas—we were greeted by two of my children, my parents, many of my siblings and their families, and even my ex-husband. Christmas was a celebration of unity and love despite the challenges and changes life has brought.
The Traditions That Make Christmas Special
Moments after arriving home and a short bathroom break, we drove thirty miles to one of my brother’s homes for Christmas Eve’s celebration. Family, friends, and food greeted us. The children gathered in a circle and, with oven mitts on, tried unwrapping a large ball of plastic wrap that held candy and small toys. They’d roll two dice, and the ball was passed to the next child when they got doubles. We adults played countertop shuffleboard with wrapped gifts. We had a great time, but more importantly, we were together.
Christmas morning, we met at my parents' house and unwrapped presents, ate breakfast, and played games. For lunch, we went to another brother’s home and feasted. Eight of the twelve living children were together. (There are thirteen kids in my family, but one brother died over twenty years ago. I have ten brothers and two sisters.) What a blessing it is to spend time with those we love.
Missing Loved Ones at Christmas
While this Christmas was filled with family, laughter, and love, it wasn’t without its bittersweet moments. There were still loved ones who couldn’t be with us—people whose presence would have made the celebration complete. One of my sweet daughters wasn’t with us, but she got to spend Christmas with her husband’s family in Utah. And four of our brothers and their families were in Utah as well. Missing them reminded me of the depth of love we feel for family and friends, whether they’re near or far.
In those moments of longing, I found comfort in the Savior. Christ’s birth, life, and atoning sacrifice make it possible for us to be reunited with loved ones, not just for a holiday but for eternity. His love bridges the gap between what is and what we hope for, giving us peace even when our hearts ache.
The Gift of Christ’s Love
At the heart of Christmas is the Savior. The traditions, the road trips, the laughter, and even the bittersweet moments of longing all come back to Him. His birth brought light into a dark world, His life taught us how to love, and His sacrifice opened the door for eternal family bonds.
This Christmas reminded me that the greatest gift isn’t under the tree; it’s the love of Christ that unites us as families and friends. Whether we’re gathered in one place or spread across the miles, His love makes every connection meaningful and eternal.
A Christmas to Remember
As we drove back to Utah, tired but filled with gratitude, I reflected on the joy of this trip. The laughter, the traditions, and the moments of quiet reflection all reminded me of how blessed we are to have family and friends in our lives.
This Christmas, let’s cherish the time we have with loved ones, honor the memories of those who are far away, and remember the Savior who makes it all possible. His love is the reason we celebrate and the foundation of every meaningful connection.
What are your favorite Christmas memories or traditions? Let’s keep them close to our hearts as we carry the spirit of the season into the new year.
#ChristmasWithFamily #FaithAndFamily #HolidayTraditions #CelebratingChrist #ReunitedAtChristmas
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