Christmas

[Tony uk]

I ask this question out of ignorance on my part, but with the intention of gaining a better understanding.

 I wondered how the Saints, on this board, and also generally, treat Christmas. With regards to their day to day lives, and also the Church/Chapel/Temple holds any services in relation to this period.

This question is based on my curiosity, and also with the desire to learn. 

[Calm]

At home, it’s pretty typical as far as I am aware of what most mainstream Christians would celebrate. At church, we have ward (local congregation) Christmas parties and then on the Sunday before Christmas a Christmas program at Church.  We sing Christmas hymns for the month.

The Church has a major Christmas music program every year and this year its  devotional is broadcasted  on the 8th. 

devotional:  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/broadcasts/2024-first-presidencys-christmas-devotional?lang=eng

added:  I am not sure if this is this year’s or an older one:

 

They have some humanitarian projects on can easily do as well.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world

Giving vending machines:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world/giving-machines?

Main page:  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/christmas?lang=eng

The temples are no different except perhaps some get lights put up on their trees.  I am not sure how long they are closed over the holidays besides the usual Sunday/Monday breaks.  

Temple Square is famous for their lights.

Edited December 2, 2024 by Calm

[Dario_M]

The way how we injoy Christmas is just the same way as how most people (christians) do it. Btw Tony...you're pretty early up. 

Edited December 2, 2024 by Dario_M

[Tony uk]

37 minutes ago, Calm said:

At home, it’s pretty typical as far as I am aware of what most mainstream Christians would celebrate. At church, we have ward (local congregation) Christmas parties and then on the Sunday before Christmas a Christmas program at Church.  We sing Christmas hymns for the month.

The Church has a major Christmas music program every year and this year its  devotional is broadcasted  on the 8th. 

devotional:  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/broadcasts/2024-first-presidencys-christmas-devotional?lang=eng

added:  I am not sure if this is this year’s or an older one:

 

They have some humanitarian projects on can easily do as well.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world

Giving vending machines:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world/giving-machines?

Main page:  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/christmas?lang=eng

The temples are no different except perhaps some get lights put up on their trees.  I am not sure how long they are closed over the holidays besides the usual Sunday/Monday breaks.  

Temple Square is famous for their lights.

Many thanks Calm. I wasn't sure. Sometimes, especially in the UK, some people celebrate one way, other people another way. Looks like the Temples are very active at this time of year. As I am sure they are through out the year.

[Calm]

1 minute ago, Tony uk said:

Many thanks Calm. I wasn't sure. Sometimes, especially in the UK, some people celebrate one way, other people another way. Looks like the Temples are very active at this time of year. As I am sure they are through out the year.

A lot of college students squeeze weddings in during Christmas between semesters, lol.

[Pyreaux]

 

Worship Services:

Christmas Party or Devotional: LDS members typically attend special Christmas church services or devotionals, which focus on the birth of Christ and His role as the Savior. These services often feature Christmas carols, scriptures, and talks from church leaders.
Sacrament Meeting: On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, some congregations hold a sacrament meeting where members partake of the sacrament, listen to talks about Christ, and enjoy seasonal music, then end with no Sunday School.

Nativity Celebrations:

Many individuals LDS families and congregations display nativity scenes, often emphasizing the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Some congregations may even have nativity plays or reenactments, involving children or youth as participants.

Scripture Readings:

LDS families are encouraged to read the scriptures together during the Christmas season, focusing particularly on passages from the Bible that tell of Christ’s birth, such as those in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Some families follow the tradition of reading the Nativity story on Christmas Eve. The Book of Mormon has another Nativity narrative, Samuel the Lamanite, and many families read parts of it during the season.

Service and Charity:

The LDS Church encourages its members to engage in acts of service and charity. Many members participate in giving gifts to the less fortunate, names and items are written on cards hanging from a tree in the church foyer. The bishop will organize to be delivered a seasonal box off food for needy families.

Family Traditions:

Christmas Decorations: LDS families often decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and other festive ornaments. The focus is on creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere and to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Gift-Giving: Similar to other Christian traditions, gift-giving is a common practice, with gifts often reflecting the spirit of generosity.
Christmas Music: Singing Christmas carols is a cherished tradition. Some LDS families gather to sing hymns, or they may attend performances such as choirs or musical productions focused on the birth of Jesus. Youth and Young Adults used to go caroling, but I haven't seen it for a while.

Missionary Service:

Many missionaries of the LDS Church are assigned to different areas of the world during Christmas. As part of their service, they often engage in special Christmas-themed activities, share messages of Christ, and connect with people in their communities. 

Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day Traditions:

Christmas Eve: Families may gather for a special meal or spend time together reflecting on the meaning of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, many LDS families after reading the Nativity story from the scriptures and then allow the opening of one small gift, typically something meaningful or like my family was assigned to one sibling and they picked an inexpensive gift. The rest were from Santa and only appeared under the tree after midnight.
Christmas Day: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have an official stance on Santa Claus, most LDS families incorporate the tradition in a way that aligns with their values, focusing on the spirit of giving and the joy of Christmas. Many LDS families embrace Santa Claus as a fun, imaginative part of the holiday. Some families maintain a balance between the Santa tradition and the religious observances of Christmas, allowing for both the fun of Santa and the reverence for Christ's birth. They may use Santa as a way to engage children in the holiday excitement but always bring the focus back to Christ.

Feasting: My family's very Christmas meal; Pineapple Ham, Mashed Potatoes with (evaporated milk); Baked Beanie Weenies, Deviled Eggs (with Hungarian Paprika), store bought, buttered and baked rolls, Greenbean (mushroom soup) Casserole

Edited December 2, 2024 by Pyreaux

[Calm]

46 minutes ago, Pyreaux said:

Some congregations may even have nativity plays or reenactments, involving children or youth as participants.

And sheep and goats if you live in a semi rural area…fun times (and sore toes).

[Tony uk]

4 hours ago, Pyreaux said:

 

Worship Services:

Christmas Party or Devotional: LDS members typically attend special Christmas church services or devotionals, which focus on the birth of Christ and His role as the Savior. These services often feature Christmas carols, scriptures, and talks from church leaders.
Sacrament Meeting: On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, some congregations hold a sacrament meeting where members partake of the sacrament, listen to talks about Christ, and enjoy seasonal music, then end with no Sunday School.

Nativity Celebrations:

Many individuals LDS families and congregations display nativity scenes, often emphasizing the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Some congregations may even have nativity plays or reenactments, involving children or youth as participants.

Scripture Readings:

LDS families are encouraged to read the scriptures together during the Christmas season, focusing particularly on passages from the Bible that tell of Christ’s birth, such as those in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Some families follow the tradition of reading the Nativity story on Christmas Eve. The Book of Mormon has another Nativity narrative, Samuel the Lamanite, and many families read parts of it during the season.

Service and Charity:

The LDS Church encourages its members to engage in acts of service and charity. Many members participate in giving gifts to the less fortunate, thing written on cards hanging from a tree in the church foyer. The bishop will organize to be delivered a seasonal box off food for needy families.

Family Traditions:

Christmas Decorations: LDS families often decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and other festive ornaments. The focus is on creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere and to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Gift-Giving: Similar to other Christian traditions, gift-giving is a common practice, with gifts often reflecting the spirit of generosity.
Christmas Music: Singing Christmas carols is a cherished tradition. Some LDS families gather to sing hymns, or they may attend performances such as choirs or musical productions focused on the birth of Jesus. Youth and Young Adults used to go caroling, but I haven't seen it for a while.

Missionary Service:

Many missionaries of the LDS Church are assigned to different areas of the world during Christmas. As part of their service, they often engage in special Christmas-themed activities, share messages of Christ, and connect with people in their communities. 

Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day Traditions:

Christmas Eve: Families may gather for a special meal or spend time together reflecting on the meaning of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, many LDS families after reading the Nativity story from the scriptures and then allow the opening one small gift, typically something meaningful or like my family was assigned one sibling they picked an in expensive gift. The rest were from Santa and only appeared under the tree after midnight.
Christmas Day:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have an official stance on Santa Claus, most LDS families incorporate the tradition in a way that aligns with their values, focusing on the spirit of giving and the joy of Christmas. Many LDS families embrace Santa Claus as a fun, imaginative part of the holiday. Some families maintain a balance between the Santa tradition and the religious observances of Christmas, allowing for both the fun of Santa and the reverence for Christ's birth. They may use Santa as a way to engage children in the holiday excitement but always bring the focus back to Christ.

Feasting: My family's very Christmas meal; Pineapple Ham, Mashed Potatoes with (evaporated milk); Baked Beanie Weenies, Deviled Eggs (with Hungarian Paprika), store bought, buttered and baked rolls, Greenbean (mushroom soup) Casserole

It really is a nice time,

 

3 hours ago, Calm said:

And sheep and goats if you live in a semi rural area…fun times (and sore toes).

people coming together to remember the birt of Jesus.

[Tony uk]

As for myself. I like to open any presents on Christmas Eve with friends, who also live on their own with no immediate family. On Christmas Day itself, in the morning go to church for the early service. And then early afternoon, have the Christmas meal, once again with same friends who live alone. It is a good time for people to come together.

[Tony uk]

Just to add to my previous post. I have never been fortunate to have been married, came close once. Or have children, but I have friends, so that makes up for any gaps in my life.

[marineland]

41 minutes ago, Tony uk said:

Just to add to my previous post. I have never been fortunate to have been married, came close once. Or have children, but I have friends, so that makes up for any gaps in my life.

And some are happy just being alone 😀

[Tony uk]

1 minute ago, marineland said:

And some are happy just being alone 😀

Yes, very true. 😊

[Dario_M]

Much of that food i see in this topic i don't even eat. Because i'm an vegetarian. I don't believe in animal cruelty. 

[Tony uk]

Unfortunately Dario, some people can be cruel to other people, has they can be to animals. 

I have every respect for people like yourself who takes the option you have.

[The Nehor]

Rough time of year for me but that has more to do with seasonal depression than Christmas. I don’t know why the lack of sunlight does this to me but it is very annoying. I tend to celebrate the solstice more in that being as bad as it is going to get.

[MiserereNobis]

Let's put "Mass" back into Christmas  

[Tacenda]

8 minutes ago, MiserereNobis said:

Let's put "Mass" back into Christmas  

I really want to attend a Mass sometime.

[MiserereNobis]

2 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

I really want to attend a Mass sometime.

Try to find a conservative Mass. I don't mean that politically; conservative Masses are the ones that use incense, bells, traditional hymns, chanting, etc. They are also held in more traditional Catholic settings, with statues and stained glass, etc.

You could go all out and attend a sung or high Latin Mass. You wouldn't understand the language, unless you followed along in the missal, but the ritual will be full-blown.

I can't remember where you are in Utah, but St. Mary's in Park City has a sung mass Sundays at 3:00: https://www.stmarysparkcity.com/liturgy

It looks like from their YouTube video they are doing it well (some small parishes try but they haven't been properly trained):

 

 

[smac97]

14 hours ago, Tony uk said:

I ask this question out of ignorance on my part, but with the intention of gaining a better understanding.

I wondered how the Saints, on this board, and also generally, treat Christmas.

With regards to their day to day lives, and also the Church/Chapel/Temple holds any services in relation to this period.

My observations:

1. The Latter-day Saints steep themselves in the secular/commercial aspects of the Christmas season as much, I think, as most other people (absent the booze, natch).  We buy Christmas trees and decorate our homes, listen to Christmas music, attend Christmas-themed events, go caroling, exchange presents on Christmas morning, etc.

2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Latter-day Saints strive to prioritize the sacred aspects of the Christmas season over the secular/commercial.  We contemplate and discuss the Nativity, sing Christmas hymns throughout December, have talks in Sacrament Meeting about Christ's birth near Christmas, coordinate efforts to help local families, etc.

3. As far as liturgical and particularized group observances as Latter-day Saints, we observe an abbreviated Sabbath observance on the Sunday preceding or following Christmas (Sacrament Meeting only), which is typically about Christmas.  Most wards have a Christmas-themed party in the church building.  The Church hosts various Christmas-themed events (Tab Choir, Fireside, Lights on Temple Square, Giving Machines, etc.).  I think some (most?) temples decorate their grounds with Christmas lights, but there are no Christmas-specific events/observances in the temples.  

4. Latter-day Saint individuals and families develop their own Christmas traditions.  A sampling from my family:

• After Thanksgiving, we devote an evening to going to In-n-Out for burgers, then shopping for a live Christmas tree, then we go home and decorate it while listening to Christmas music (usually Peter, Paul & Mary's "A Holiday Celebration" - great stuff), concluding with an eggnog toast where we share feelings about Christmas and about things for which we are grateful.
• We decorate our house with Christmas-themed decor and listen to Christmas music throughout December.
• Near Christmas, we set up a ceramic Nativity while reading from Luke 2, then we sing "Silent Night."
• We usually go caroling in the neighborhood.
• We attend Christmas-themed events in the commuinity.
• We watch a few Christmas-themed movies (It's a Wonderful Life, Elf, The Muppets Christmas Carol, White Christmas).
• We exchange gifts on Christmas morning, then have a big breakfast, a variety of cheeses and fruits for dinner, and a Christmas dinner.
• I don't have Christmas-themed clothes, but my wife and some of my kids do.

In short, it's a pretty important event/season in our lives.

14 hours ago, Tony uk said:

This question is based on my curiosity, and also with the desire to learn. 

Hope the above helps.

Thanks,

-Smac

[Tacenda]

22 minutes ago, MiserereNobis said:

Try to find a conservative Mass. I don't mean that politically; conservative Masses are the ones that use incense, bells, traditional hymns, chanting, etc. They are also held in more traditional Catholic settings, with statues and stained glass, etc.

You could go all out and attend a sung or high Latin Mass. You wouldn't understand the language, unless you followed along in the missal, but the ritual will be full-blown.

I can't remember where you are in Utah, but St. Mary's in Park City has a sung mass Sundays at 3:00: https://www.stmarysparkcity.com/liturgy

It looks like from their YouTube video they are doing it well (some small parishes try but they haven't been properly trained):

 

 

Thanks, I know of a church that my BIL attended as a child, and went to school as well. I could try there, it's nearer to me than Park City.

I should say that I actually watched Mass on Christmas Eve while wrapping Christmas presents for my children back before we had cable and all the channels.

[The Nehor]

58 minutes ago, MiserereNobis said:

Let's put "Mass" back into Christmas  

I am eating as much as I can.

[Tony uk]

37 minutes ago, MiserereNobis said:

Try to find a conservative Mass. I don't mean that politically; conservative Masses are the ones that use incense, bells, traditional hymns, chanting, etc. They are also held in more traditional Catholic settings, with statues and stained glass, etc.

You could go all out and attend a sung or high Latin Mass. You wouldn't understand the language, unless you followed along in the missal, but the ritual will be full-blown.

I can't remember where you are in Utah, but St. Mary's in Park City has a sung mass Sundays at 3:00: https://www.stmarysparkcity.com/liturgy

It looks like from their YouTube video they are doing it well (some small parishes try but they haven't been properly trained):

 

 

There are a number of Churches in the part of England that I live that provide Conservative/Traditional, I am from that part of the Church myself. So I am going to make an effort to attend one of these at Christmas. I am trying more than ever to avoid the secular influenced Churches. Many thanks for the Video link.

[Tony uk]

14 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

Thanks, I know of a church that my BIL attended as a child, and went to school as well. I could try there, it's nearer to me than Park City.

I should say that I actually watched Mass on Christmas Eve while wrapping Christmas presents for my children back before we had cable and all the channels.

I think that's the best option for you. The advice given to you I am looking at myself also  There are quite a few that provide more traditional carols/hymns. 

[Tony uk]

35 minutes ago, smac97 said:

My observations:

1. The Latter-day Saints steep themselves in the secular/commercial aspects of the Christmas season as much, I think, as most other people (absent the booze, natch).  We buy Christmas trees and decorate our homes, listen to Christmas music, attend Christmas-themed events, go caroling, exchange presents on Christmas morning, etc.

2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Latter-day Saints strive to prioritize the sacred aspects of the Christmas season over the secular/commercial.  We contemplate and discuss the Nativity, sing Christmas hymns throughout December, have talks in Sacrament Meeting about Christ's birth near Christmas, coordinate efforts to help local families, etc.

3. As far as liturgical and particularized group observances as Latter-day Saints, we observe an abbreviated Sabbath observance on the Sunday preceding or following Christmas (Sacrament Meeting only), which is typically about Christmas.  Most wards have a Christmas-themed party in the church building.  The Church hosts various Christmas-themed events (Tab Choir, Fireside, Lights on Temple Square, Giving Machines, etc.).  I think some (most?) temples decorate their grounds with Christmas lights, but there are no Christmas-specific events/observances in the temples.  

4. Latter-day Saint individuals and families develop their own Christmas traditions.  A sampling from my family:

• After Thanksgiving, we devote an evening to going to In-n-Out for burgers, then shopping for a live Christmas tree, then we go home and decorate it while listening to Christmas music (usually Peter, Paul & Mary's "A Holiday Celebration" - great stuff), concluding with an eggnog toast where we share feelings about Christmas and about things for which we are grateful.
• We decorate our house with Christmas-themed decor and listen to Christmas music throughout December.
• Near Christmas, we set up a ceramic Nativity while reading from Luke 2, then we sing "Silent Night."
• We usually go caroling in the neighborhood.
• We attend Christmas-themed events in the commuinity.
• We watch a few Christmas-themed movies (It's a Wonderful Life, Elf, The Muppets Christmas Carol, White Christmas).
• We exchange gifts on Christmas morning, then have a big breakfast, a variety of cheeses and fruits for dinner, and a Christmas dinner.
• I don't have Christmas-themed clothes, but my wife and some of my kids do.

In short, it's a pretty important event/season in our lives.

Hope the above helps.

Thanks,

-Smac

That is most helpful smac. I think many many people seem to have fallen away from the true meaning of Christmas. Spending to much time eating, drinking and being in the party mood.

[Calm]

51 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

I am eating as much as I can.

Midwinter munchies are a pain.