Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. Christmas lights and decorations scattered across the house, carols blasting through the speakers as we sing along with all our might. Jesus, Family, and friends gathered close as memories are told and we laugh long into the night. 

Christmas is a time of love, giving, and thankfulness that is so often overlooked in the stress of the holiday season. Which begs the question, why do we bother? Why do we feel the need to impress our neighbors with our extravagantly decorated tree, or how delicious our homemade peppermint bark tastes? If Christmas is a time of joy and giving then why is it so commercialized? Yeah getting and giving gifts is great but what about the people who don't have a home to celebrate in? Or can't afford food for their table? 

I'm not suggesting you drop all your christmas plans to go volunteer or tell your relatives that you'd rather they donate to charity then get you gifts. Charities have plenty of helping hands around the holidays and sometimes Christmas presents are exactly what you need. What I am saying is that you shouldn't let your christmas spirit die out with the season. Maybe volunteer once a month at a local charity or donate money from a summer job throughout the rest of the year. 

Christmas doesn't have to end when the decorations come down, it's a state of mind, not chore. 

Merry Christmas everyone! I pray you all stay warm and safe this holiday and I hope that this holiday spirit will stick with you for months to come. 

Ná mere i turnhalmeri! Eru ainaldë,

~Vira