The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the gory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Dear Mom and Dad,

Merry Christmas! This day is very important to the two of you, to my sisters, and to me as well. This is the one day of the year that you spoil us with every ounce of your being. When we were younger, you would stay up all night rearranging the living room to make sure out Barbie Dream House or toy cars or karaoke machines had the perfect spot. You made sure that when we woke up, we were surprised and could indulge in the newest, hottest toy.

Now that we are older, things are a little different. We have money so we try to give you the newest, hottest toy. My sisters and I try our best to give you the Christmas that you always gave us. The funny thing is, you still give us the best Christmas ever. You still spoil us, you still stay up all night to make sure we wake up surprised, and you still spend every ounce of your paycheck to keep us updated on the newest, hottest toy.

But why?

You don't do it because Christmas is about gifts. You don't do it because we ask for it. You don't do it because you like staying up all night. You do it because you want to. You do it because you care. You do it because you love us. You do it because seeing our faces light up is part of the Christmas tradition. You also do it for Jesus.

Jesus came into the world as the most innocent child. God did not give us His son as the newest, hottest toy. He gave us His son as the perfect gift. He gave us His son so that we may live our lives to the fullest. We would not be fulfilled without the birth of Jesus. We needed him. We do not need the gifts you give us, Mom and Dad. But you give them to us anyway because you love us unconditionally.

Christmas is so much more than presents and decorations. It's the birthday of the son of God. We may not spend a lot of the day celebrating His birthday, but we spend the day together. That is exactly how Jesus wants us to spend it. You have given us this tradition of love, laughter, food, and family. This is the exact life that God wanted us to live. It is a day without stress, without fault, without selfishness, and without hatred. It is a day that we give. It is a day that you, Mom and Dad, allowed us to have.

So, thank you. Thank you for giving us Christmas. Thank you for being Santa. Thank you for loving us and encouraging us throughout the year. Thank you for giving us presents selflessly. Thank you for living lives that God wants you to live, and portraying what seems to be the perfect image to your children and grandchild. You make Christmas more than presents and decorations. You make Christmas a gift of its own.

Merry Christmas and I love you!

Lauren