“The True Meaning of the Christmas Season” is the sixth of eight Thanksgiving articles received from Wayne High School students. Five of them were published in The Byway’s most recent December print paper. All will be featured online.
What is ‘your’ true meaning of Christmas? To me, Christmas is truly a magical time, especially when spent with family. It’s a season filled with love, joy, and togetherness. It’s about taking a break from our busy lives and creating lasting memories with the people who matter most, but most importantly Christmas is the time we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as he was born as a baby in Bethlehem.
Christmas is a time when we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the true meaning of the season. During this special month, my family loves to spend the long nights playing games and watching Christmas movies. One thing that we always enjoy as a family is putting up our Christmas tree and lights. This brings us closer together as a family and helps us get in the Christmas spirit. Each Christmas Eve, my mom’s side of the family gets together and does progressive dinner. Each house is a different food/activity. We try to incorporate the true meaning of Christmas by doing the Nativity with all of the grandkids. For the main meal, we all get to gather around the dinner table, savoring the delicious meal and engaging in heartfelt conversations. Something that really gets my family involved on Christmas Eve is when my dad brings a radio to each house with dispatch telling us where Santa Claus is. We all stop what we are doing to listen to the radio to see and find out if he is getting closer. This progressive dinner is one of my favorite things to do during Christmas.
Christmas is about spending quality time with your family, sharing laughter, and creating cherished memories. Whether it’s decorating the tree, cooking a delicious feast, or exchanging thoughtful gifts, the essence of Christmas lies in the warmth and love we feel when we are surrounded by those we hold the closest. These activities can bring each of us closer and can remind us of the important family bonds that come from them. Beyond the material aspects, Christmas is a time for giving and spreading kindness. It’s about showing gratitude for the blessings in our lives and extending a helping hand to those in need. The spirit of Christmas encourages us to be compassionate and selfless.
In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic, being able to spend Christmas with my family helps offer me a sense of comfort and stability. It reminds me of the importance of love, forgiveness, and acceptance. It’s a time to set aside differences and come together in unity and remember the birth of Jesus. Christmas is the reason for the season.
– by Savannah Williams (12th) Wayne High School
Picture by Marlee C. (13) Escalante.