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Many people love Christmas and look forward to the excitement it brings. The magic of Christmas awakens a childlike joy in each of us, regardless of age. But over time, the true spirit of Christmas is overshadowed by material gifts and symbols.
For most children (and adults, mind you), Christmas means presents, toys, and tasty food. There is nothing wrong with enjoying material gifts if the true essence of this holiday lives in the hearts of those who celebrate it.
If you’re excited about the approaching holidays, these Christmas quotes will bring out the joy of Christmas even more!
“A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.”
Garrison Keillor
“Always winter but never Christmas.”
C.S. Lewis
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”
Helen Keller
“And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”
Jesus Christ
“As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is.”
Eric Sevareid
“Christmas can be celebrated in the school room with pine trees, tinsel, and reindeers, but there must be no mention of the man whose birthday is being celebrated. One wonders how a teacher would answer if a student asked why, it was called Christmas.”
Ronald Reagan
“Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving.”
B. C. Forbes
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”
Charles M. Schulz
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
Norman Vincent Peale
“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.”
Mary Ellen Chase
“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”
Dale Evans
“God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it.”
Pope Francis
“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.”
Dr. Seuss
“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!”
Charles Dickens
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”
Roy L. Smith
“How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, His precepts!”
Benjamin Franklin
“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”
Charles Dickens
“If my Valentine you won’t be, I’ll hang myself on your Christmas tree.”
Ernest Hemingway
“Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.”
Dr. Seuss
“Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice.”
Dave Barry
“One can never have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another Christmas has come and gone, and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”
J.K. Rowling
“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder
“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.”
Helen Steiner Rice
“The smells of Christmas are the smells of childhood.”
Richard Paul Evans
“There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart – and our neighbors as ourselves.”
Thomas S. Monson
“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.”
Edna Ferber
“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.”
Irving Berlin
“Christmas is a magical time whose spirit lives on in all of us no matter how old we grow.”
Sirona Knight
“Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.”
G. K. Chesterton
“T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”
Clement Clarke Moore
“May your hearth be warm, your holidays grand, and your heart held gently in the good Lord’s hand.”
Unknown
“Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to us by cola, fast food, and beer…. Who’d have ever guessed that product consumption, popular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously?”
Bill Watterson
“The kind of love that was so intently demonstrated at Christmas is truly amazing and life changing.”
Jason C. Dukes
“Yet as I read the birth stories about Jesus, I cannot help but conclude that though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog.”
Philip Yancey
“The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn’t for any religious reasons. They couldn’t find three wise men and a virgin.”
Jay Leno
“My brother, little sister and I decorate the tree together, and every year we fight over who gets to hang our handmade childhood decorations.”
Carly Rae Jepsen
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
Mother Theresa
”May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.”
Unknown
“Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed.”
Ann Garnett Schultz
“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.”
Louisa May Alcott
“I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included.”
Bernard Manning
“I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel.”
Charlie Brown
“Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it—you feel it. You know it. You believe it.”
Kevin Alan Milne
“For Christmas is tradition time
Helen Lowrie Marshall
Traditions that recall
The precious memories down the years,
The sameness of them all.”
“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.”
Helen Steiner Rice
“Is this what Christmas is truly all about? Running around helter skelter; knocking ourselves out! This year let’s look at Christmas in its true light.”
Robert L. Kilmer
“Love the giver more than the gift.”
Brigham Young
“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”
Peg Bracken
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
Hamilton Wright Mabie
“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.”
Phyllis Diller
“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.”
Agnes M. Pahro
“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.”
Benjamin Franklin
“Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters, /
Maya Angelou
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope /
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air…”
“A joy that is shared is a joy made double.”
John Roy
“Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.”
Freya Stark
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
Burton Hills
“Remember this December, that love weighs more than gold.”
Josephine Daskam Bacon
“Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin – inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night.”
John J. Geddes
“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”
Marjorie Holmes
“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.”
Andy Rooney
“Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.”
Carlos Ruiz Zafon
“The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.”
George Carlin
“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”
Bob Hope
“Christmas is for everyone, adults and children alike.
Julie Hebert
Allow this season fill your heart and let go of the things you dislike.”
“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans–and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused–and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.”
Sigrid Undset
“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”
Washington Irving
“Jesus is God’s perfect, indescribable gift. The amazing thing is that not only are we able to receive this gift, but we are able to share it with others on Christmas and every other day of the year.”
Joel Osteen
Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ
The word Christmas comes from the Latin word ‘nativita’, which means birth. The festival focuses on the birth of the Child Jesus, the son of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. Jesus is the one who spread the message of hope, unity, peace, and love.
Jesus is the main reason millions of people celebrate Christmas every year. Before we tell you more about the festivities, here’s the touching story of how little Jesus was born in a stable.
Jesus and all his family were from Nazareth where many Jews lived. The legend of Jesus’ birth says that he was born in winter, in a stable, among animals that offered him warmth. He was worshiped by three kings of the East who brought him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
How Was Jesus Born According to The Bible?
According to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ mother Mary was betrothed to a man named Joseph, who was descended from King David. But Joseph isn’t considered to be his biological father since it is believed that Jesus’ birth was caused by divine intervention. According to Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem because his family had to travel to participate in the population census.
Jesus would grow up to become a founder of a new religion of Christianity and shift the wheels of history.
Why Does Christmas Inspire and Motivate?
Christmas inspires us to dream, wish and hope for better things in life. Christmas is the best time to share hopes and dreams as a family. A wonderful opportunity to appreciate the goodness in everyone and the blessings we have in life.
During Christmas, we encourage children to write a list of hopes and dreams, for themselves and other family members. This allows us to create stronger bonds and reflect on our behavior throughout the year.
1. A celebration of love
Christmas is a true celebration of love. Encourage children to do small acts of kindness for their friends, family members, and others. During Christmas, millions of people express love in diverse ways – spending time with loved ones, words of love, and acts of service. They fill their homes with love and live so that love flows through their hearts.
2. Connection of family members
During Christmas, we have fun and enjoy traditional festivities as a family. We sing our favorite Christmas carols or watch Christmas-themed movie classics together. We also plan family activities or go somewhere together. Children must appreciate the warmth of family togetherness during this period.
During Christmas, we are also invited to let every moment have its importance. Remember that Christmas is the best time for family gatherings. And take photos to remember the best moments for a long time.
3. The value of simplicity
The true value of a Christmas gift does not have to be its price. Even more, simple gifts with a nice message are appreciated more. Encourage the children to make their cards or small paper gifts or ask them to help you bake cakes for friends, teachers, and family. Show children that the best gifts always come from the heart.
If children learn to appreciate simplicity, they will appreciate every little thing they get in life. And that way they will be less disappointed when they don’t get what they want.
4. Sharing
Nothing gives more joy than the experience of giving and sharing with others. True happiness is not always about getting what we want for Christmas. It is also in the ability to give and beautify the lives of others.
Christmas is about giving and receiving love, family moments and traditions are spaces for feeding the spirit and enjoying the small and valuable details of life. Christmas is a time for many to renew their faith in God, love others, and give the best of themselves to others.
Who was Saint Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas is one of the several most important saints in Christianity and one of the most frequently celebrated ones.
Most people know that Christmas is usually celebrated on December 25th every year. However, Christian Orthodox communities usually celebrate Christmas on January 7th. Everyone, more or less, knows that Saint Nicholas was considered a miracle worker, a protector of sailors, children, and the poor. But unfortunately, most do not know anything more about his character and work, as well as the interesting legends related to St. Nicholas. The most famous is the legend of Santa Claus, but more on that later.
Saint Nicholas had an exciting life story that has fascinated all Christians for centuries. He was born in the city of Patara in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast of today’s Turkish province of Anatolia in the fourth century. Saint Nicholas was the only child of wealthy parents (Greeks), who died in a great epidemic, and after that unfortunate event, young Nicholas distributed all his inherited wealth to the poor. He served in the city of Myra.
Saint Nicholas and/or Santa Claus
During his exciting life, Saint Nicholas did many honorable deeds about which centuries later many legends were told, based on which customs were formed that are respected even today.
One of the more famous legends is the one about three poor girls whom he saved from misery and misfortune. Their heartless, suddenly impoverished father wanted to sell them into slavery since he could not provide them with the obligatory dowry. Saint Nicholas, according to the legend, threw a bundle of gold coins through the window (in another version of the legend, through the chimney) one night to ensure their salvation.
The custom of giving gifts to children on Christmas is linked to this legend. Although customs vary from society to society, some parents leave coins and sweets in their boots or socks for their children. The gold coins that St. Nicholas threw to the three girls through the window fell right into their boots.
According to another legend, the gold coins thrown through the chimney fell right into the socks that the girls left in the hearth to dry at night. Christians who are closer to this version of the same legend hang children’s socks on the open fireplace on the eve of Christmas.
St. Nicholas and the Children
St. Nicholas helped children and the poor, but he never boasted about his honorable deeds but did them secretly and in ways similar to the one described in the legend of the three little girls.
Indeed, Santa Claus is different from Saint Nicholas because he is a worldly and not a spiritual phenomenon. However, Santa Claus, by chance or not, has a red cloak like Saint Nicholas, loves and gives gifts to children, has a long gray beard, etc.
And the globally generally accepted name of Santa Claus (Santa Claus) comes precisely from the name of St. Nicholas (Saint Nicolas – Saint Nicolaus – Santa Claus).
Saint Nicholas was chosen as the patron saint of New York back in 1804. When Alexander Anderson was asked to draw him, Anderson drew a character that closely resembles the Santa Claus we know today, and it is this moment that is considered the moment when Santa Claus was “born”. However, his appearance was a little different from today, because then he had a halo, a big white beard, and a yellow suit.
What Do People Do to Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas cards are sent, greetings are exchanged, fasting and other religious rules are observed, such as lighting the Christmas tree, putting out stockings over the fireplace, leaving milk and cookies for Santa’s reindeer, and placing gifts under the tree.
There are many Christmas traditions, and these can vary from region to region. Because Christmas is celebrated almost in every country, there are bound to be variations in the celebrations. While some celebrations can be religious, many are just for fun and to enjoy the holidays.
Here are some things you can do for Christmas that are not materialistic.
- Share with others.
- Be creative.
- Recycle.
- Recognize the effort of yourself and others.
How Coca-Cola Branded Christmas
The most significant role in increasing the popularity of Santa Claus and his association with the Christmas and New Year holidays was played by the large American company Coca-Cola. In 1930, Coca-Cola hired an American illustrator to draw a character that would spread New Year’s cheer among its customers. At that time, the well-known company had already expanded its market all over the world, but as it was promoted as a summer drink, during the winter its sales would drop drastically.
The idea was to create a symbol of Coca-Cola, which would convince customers to drink the popular drink even during the winter. Coca-Cola’s New Year’s commercials featuring a modern Santa Claus are considered to be one of the best, and it was these commercials that enabled a drastic increase in the popularity of both the company and Santa Claus.
The popularity of Santa Claus began to grow at an incredible speed, and this led to significant changes in his external appearance. He got a flying carriage and reindeer, his face took on a much more pleasant look, and his yellow suit was replaced with red to match the colors of the famous brand.
Wrapping Up
Christmas is a season of giving, but it’s also a time for children and adults to adopt important values. This is why Christmas is an experience that can enrich our lives.
And remember the quote from the movie Polar Express: “Just remember… the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” Let these values be helpful when you get to re-discover the true magic and true purpose of Christmas.