Every year around Christmas, my sisters and I would ask our mom what she wanted that year. Being the person that she is, she would answer “peace on earth, good will towards men” each year, without fail. And of course, every year our answer would be “no, Mom. Something we can buy you!” Somewhere along the way we forgot the meaning of Christmas and if you were wondering, dictionary.com describes it as “the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus.” Why is it that when Christmas rolls around we focus so heavily on what gifts we are getting and where we are going for vacation? When did Christmas become about celebrating ourselves instead of celebrating Him? It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the fun of it all, but let's not forget who this holiday is really for, because he surely never forgets about you. Here are five things that should be on everyone’s Christmas list this year.

1. Take the opportunity to volunteer

Around the holidays, there are so many opportunities in your community to volunteer and make a difference whether it be big or small. For example, visit a nursing home, serve at a soup kitchen, volunteer at an animal shelter. Wherever you feel you can make a difference, take the time out of your day and help those in need.

2. Guide someone to know and love Christ

Whether this means taking them to church, answering their questions, or being someone that they can pray with, use yourself as a disciple of God to guide His children towards Him.

3. Help a child in need this Christmas

Many children around you do not have the opportunity to experience all that Christmas is about. Send a child in need a gift this year whether it be fresh new clothes or a present they never had the opportunity to receive.

4. Get Saved

No matter how long you’ve known Jesus or how big your faith is, there is always room to grow and learn more about God and his love for you. Especially around this time, remember how much God loves you and how much He cares for you.

5. World peace and good will towards men

We live in a world full of hate and greed. Whether you choose to ignore it or watch on the sidelines as it consumes us, these two things are very present in each of our lives. We see these things on the news at home and across seas yet it does not have to be something that defines us. If only everyone wished for these two things, maybe we could receive them.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)