Christmas. Christmas to one can mean something completely different to another. Is Christmas just the time for presents, movies, lights? Or is it something more? The spirit of Christmas is something you can interpret in many ways. The big flashy lights and loud music. Presents wrapped with big bows. Trees decorated with the shiny ornaments and dazzling star on top that can’t help but catch your attention. Or is it the quiet moments buying the gifts when you want to get them something because it reminds you of them? Maybe its the days spent in church to celebrate the coming of Christ. Or the moments of joy shared with family as you work together to decorate your tree. The smiles and laughs as you come together to watch your favorite Christmas movie with your family. So what does the spirit of Christmas really mean? It is in the little moments you find the joy, and the real meaning of Christmas. What does Christmas really mean to you? 

“Christmas to me is the time I spend with my family. I don’t get to see a lot of them during the year, so Christmas gives me that time to be with them and appreciate that meaningful time I get with my family.” 

-Macie McHugh, Junior 

“Christmas for me is the time to relax and just enjoy the time with my family and friends. It’s a time where there is no stress and I can just focus on enjoying time with the people around me.” 

-Emma Yurik, Junior 

“Christmas for me is an opportunity to see my family. especially my older siblings who are away at college all year. Together we can gather and be grateful remembering Christ.” 

-Eric Bisignani, Sophomore 

“The real spirit of Christmas for me is being surrounded by family, especially the ones I don’t see. It’s a blessing to be able to have just time to spend with them and not have to worry about the other things of life. They’re the most important people in my life, and Christmas brings us together.”

-Lily Fenton, Senior 

“I find the best part of Christmas to be spending time with friends, family and loved ones. Giving back to them for everything they do for me.” 

-Nate Roth, Senior

As you can see, Christmas is not just the time for presents and lights, hot chocolate and music that is always stuck in your head. Christmas is also the time for taking time to appreciate the little things in life. During a time that can be stressful when planning dinners and trying to get gifts in time, take a step back and think about what it really means. Take this uninterrupted time with family and friends, cherish it. The joy of Christmas can be found in the people you surround yourself with. So what does Christmas mean to you? Find the spirit of Christmas in not what you are given, but in the gift of pure joy because of the people around you. 

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”

-Peg Bracken