2015 Christmas letter

Dearest Friends and Family,

Another year winds down and the holiday season is upon us once again.  We are surrounded by signs of the holidays - homes decorated with lights, decorated trees in windows, holiday music playing in the stores, and holiday parties at work.  In the midst of all this festive hustle and bustle, we like to pause and reflect on the season.

There is no doubt that gifts play an important role during the holidays.  Most children would probably suggest that the gifts are the best part of the celebration.  They can barely contain their anticipation as they see the beautifully wrapped presents waiting to be opened.  And that anticipation is only surpassed by their excitement when they finally can open their gifts.

As we get older, we find that we begin to derive more enjoyment from giving, rather than receiving, gifts.  There is a deep satisfaction in finding the perfect gift for someone and watching their reaction as they receive it.  And seeing the joy and enthusiasm of a child opening presents never fails to warm our hearts.

Gifts have always been a part of the Christmas story.  The wise men arrived from the East, bringing with them gifts fit for a king.  The story doesn’t tell us how Mary and Joseph reacted to these lavish gifts, but it isn’t hard to imagine how overwhelmed they would have felt receiving such unexpected presents.

While the giving and receiving of gifts can be fun and fulfilling, it can also be stressful.  We can feel obligated to buy gifts for some people, and we worry about how our gifts will be received.  This stress can distract us from the underlying lessons that the gift exchange should teach us.  Exchanging gifts during the holidays should be an exercise in kindness and goodwill, a gesture to show our appreciation for the important people in our lives.  A simple heartfelt gift can often bring more joy than all the latest gadgets or gizmos.

And the best gifts of all don’t even require any shopping.  The gifts of friendship, love, and support frequently have the most significant impact on people’s lives, and, best of all, can be shared over and over again, throughout the whole year.

As you and your loved ones celebrate the holidays, we hope that you find joy in all the gifts you give and receive.  May the holidays bring you and your loved ones the gifts of peace, joy, and love, and may you have a safe and healthy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

The Johns Family