Do Mormons Celebrate Christmas

For many people, Christmas is a time of joy, gift-giving, and celebration with loved ones. But do Mormons celebrate Christmas? As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormons have a unique perspective on Christmas, and their celebrations may differ from those of other Christian denominations.

In this article, we'll explore how Mormons view Christmas, their traditions, and what they do to commemorate the holiday.

Understanding Mormon Beliefs

To grasp the Mormon perspective on Christmas, it's essential to understand the basics of their faith. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. They also believe in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, which they consider to be a companion scripture to the Bible. Mormons have a strong emphasis on family, morality, and service to others.

Do Mormons Celebrate Christmas?

The short answer is yes, Mormons do celebrate Christmas. However, their celebrations may differ from those of other Christian denominations. Mormons believe that Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and to celebrate His life and mission.

Mormon Christmas Traditions

While Mormon Christmas traditions may vary from family to family, there are some common practices that are widely observed:

• Decorating homes and churches: Mormons decorate their homes and churches with Christmas lights, wreaths, and trees, often with a nativity scene as the centerpiece.
• Family gatherings: Christmas is a time for family reunions and gatherings. Mormons often spend the holiday with their loved ones, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and engaging in festive activities.
• Service projects: Many Mormons participate in service projects during the Christmas season, such as visiting the elderly, serving at food banks, or volunteering at local charities.
• Scripture reading: Mormons often read scripture stories about the birth of Jesus Christ, such as the accounts in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
• Singing Christmas carols: Mormons enjoy singing Christmas carols and hymns, often with a focus on the spiritual significance of the holiday.

Unique Mormon Christmas Traditions

While Mormons share many Christmas traditions with other Christians, there are some unique practices that are specific to their faith:

• The Christmas Devotional: Each year, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds a Christmas devotional, which is broadcast worldwide. The devotional features music, messages, and scripture readings, and is often attended by Mormons in person or via broadcast.
• The Light the World Initiative: In recent years, Mormons have participated in the Light the World initiative, which encourages individuals to perform small acts of service and kindness during the Christmas season.
• The #HisGift Campaign: Mormons have also participated in the #HisGift campaign, which focuses on sharing the true meaning of Christmas through social media and other channels.

What Mormons Don't Do on Christmas

While Mormons celebrate Christmas, there are some things that they do not do:

• Exchanging expensive gifts: Mormons are encouraged to focus on the spiritual significance of Christmas rather than on material gifts. They often exchange simple gifts or make charitable donations instead.
• Participating in Santa Claus traditions: Mormons do not emphasize the legend of Santa Claus, instead focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.
• Celebrating on December 25th only: Mormons often celebrate Christmas on the Sunday closest to December 25th, rather than on the actual date.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mormons do celebrate Christmas, but their celebrations are unique and focused on the spiritual significance of the holiday. By understanding Mormon beliefs and traditions, we can appreciate the ways in which they observe Christmas and the values that underlie their celebrations.

What Can We Learn from Mormon Christmas Traditions?

While Mormon Christmas traditions may differ from our own, there are some valuable lessons that we can learn from their approach:

• Focus on the true meaning of Christmas: Mormons remind us that Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and to celebrate His life and mission.
• Emphasize family and service: Mormons prioritize family gatherings and service to others during the Christmas season, which can be a powerful way to build relationships and make a positive impact.
• Keep things simple: Mormons encourage simplicity and modesty in their Christmas celebrations, which can be a refreshing alternative to the commercialism and materialism that often surrounds the holiday.

We hope that this article has provided a helpful insight into Mormon Christmas traditions and the values that underlie their celebrations.