How to have a joyous Christmas season even during a Pandemic

Yes, it really is possible to have a wonderful Christmas even in this time of global plague, civil unrest, and the disruption of our normal social activities. We must begin by remembering why we celebrate Christmas. It is not a time when we enshrine overeating, overspending, busyness, or even our traditions. 

There is a special spirit of Christmas. It is the spirit of love. Christmas is that time when we especially remember that our Heavenly Father sent His son to earth to save us.

How can we feel God's love? How can we let His love warm our hearts?

We begin by counting our blessings.

• What are you grateful for?
• What good things have happened to you during this last year?
• What things and opportunities do you have that your parents didn't have? That you grandparents didn't have?
• What conveniences do you have that many people in the world do not?
• What basics do you take for granted such as clean water, plenty of food, and good medical care?
• What opportunities do you have in life that many in the world do not? Can you read? What educational opportunities have you had?
• How does your home compare to the home that your parents and grandparents had when they were the age you are now? Or with the average home around the world?
• How is your health? Can you see? Can you walk? Have you had any surgery, or take any medication which gives you better health? 

How do you feel now? Are you beginning to see how much you have to be grateful for? Don't you feel God loves you?

With our Savior's love in your heart, you are ready for the next step. Begin by asking yourself some different questions. 

• Do you have more than you need?
• What could you share with others? Do you have more clothes than you need?
• Do you have time or money that you can donate to help others?
• What talents could you share? Are you a good mechanic? Can you bake a cake, or draw a card?
• Are there family members or lonely neighbors who would appreciate a call, or a virtual visit? 
• Could you shovel snow off a walk for an elderly person?
• Could you pick up groceries for someone who is unable to get out?
• What could you do to cheer someone up? Could you sing carols? Could you send a Christmas card, or a text message? Could you put lights up around your yard?
• Look around, who needs your help?

This is a time of tremendous opportunity! There are more people in need this Christmas than ever before. As you do things to help others, you will feel our Savior's love warm your heart and fill your life with the joy of Christmas.

lf