5 ways children show us what matters about Christmas
It seems pretty likely that in the lead up to Christmas, things will get a little too busy, and we will start to feel more stressed than excited, and more frenzied than peaceful.
Sometimes it takes a child to remind us of what this time of year is really about, and it's never about making things perfect. These children completely understand what is important about this holy season.
1. Being together
Erisjana, 9, is from Albania, and loves Christmas time. But not just because she likes to receive presents. She says "But, most of all, I love Christmas because it brings my parents together. " Her father works in another country, to support the family, and comes home at Christmas. Read more
2. Remembering how Jesus loved the children
Jandel, Emerlyn and Nicole say that children and their families living near the danger zone of Mayon Volcano, in the Philippines, usually have a simple celebration of Christmas. The three friends shared that the real essence of Christmas is to be with one's family and remember Jesus's love for His children.
"It is not important to have grand food nor celebration. What's important is that me and my family are together. I told myself that Christmas is a very happy day. Whenever I think of the pain that Jesus Christ experienced, it almost made me cry," Emerlyn says.
In September, these three friends were evacuated by the Filipino government, concerned at the activity level of the volcano. They returned home in November, but for those two months they lived at an evacuation centre, which is complete with water and hygiene systems, thanks to World Vision, in partnership with USAID.
3. Sending greetings from afar
Sponsorship creates a special bond between a sponsored child and the sponsor. Children look forward to receiving Christmas greetings from their sponsors. Here, Faith, a sponsored child in Uganda, shares the Christmas card she received from her sponsor - and her friends crowd around to see a photo of her sponsor. It is a lovely way to connect from a far distance. More about child sponsorship.
4. Celebrating, even after a disaster
Last November, a massive typhoon struck the Philippines. Celebrating Christmas a month later was never in doubt - this is a country that starts Christmas planning in September! Everyone looks forward to the holiday, but children are the most excited. In the communities where Typhoon Haiyan caused death, destruction and despair, it was almost impossible to see and feel the significance of the season. Yet these people remained resolute that amidst the rubble, Christmas wouldn't lose its real essence. On the contrary, it became more meaningful. Read more
5. Sharing the love that was witnessed at the first Christmas
And lastly... this video from Latin America with sweet Christmas wishes.
Tell us how you keep to the true meaning of Christmas. And share this blog with friends and family, to keep the real reason for the season at the heart of it.