I always look forward to the December holiday season. The world always seems a little less divided and more focused on finding ways to be kind. I always appreciate learning about others’ holiday traditions that facilitate this kindness.

As a 20-year-old, I was living abroad in the Czech Republic and for the first time had the opportunity to experience this season outside of the United States. I was fascinated by the Czech traditions associated with Christmas. I found some of these bizarre, such as buying a carp and keeping it alive in the bathtub until Christmas Eve, only to fry it up to bring good luck and prosperity. Another Czech tradition was designed to terrify children into being well behaved. In Czechia, children don’t go to visit Santa to ask him what they want for Christmas. Instead, St. Nicholas visits children and brings two visitors with him – an angel and a devil. If children have been good, the angel provides the children with treats. If children have been bad, they receive coal or potatoes. In addition, the devil carries a bag with him for particularly naughty children so he can take them with him if they don’t change their ways.

The Czech tradition I was exposed to that had the most lasting impression was learning who children believe brings the presents on Christmas Eve. It isn’t Santa Claus, but the baby Jesus who visits homes and places presents under the tree. For Christians, the giving of gifts during the holiday season symbolizes their desire to have been present at the manger where Jesus Christ was born in order to have the opportunity to give Him their own gift as the wise men did.

To paraphrase the lyrics to “Carol to the King,” the French Christmas processional, “Enter now the holy stable to behold the blessed sight. This is Christ the Lord, the Savior. Pure and filled with holy light. Tune your heart to hear His music. Feel the glory of His love.” Regardless of whether you are Christian, a member of another religion, or without a religious affiliation, there is great power in asking oneself: How am I going to hasten to the manger? Or what can I do to give a good gift to someone who truly needs it?

It doesn’t take expensive gifts to make these gestures meaningful. One day before Christmas several years ago while he was managing a bishops’ storehouse, Glen L. Rudd learned from an ecclesiastical leader about a needy family that had recently moved to his city. When he went to visit their small apartment, he  discovered a young single mother with four children under age 10. The family’s needs were so great that the mother could not buy treats or presents for her children that Christmas. She couldn’t even afford a tree. Brother Rudd talked with the family and learned that the three little girls would love a doll or a stuffed animal. When he asked the 6-year-old son what he wanted, the hungry little boy replied, “I would like a bowl of oatmeal.”

We are surrounded by people with needs. If you are struggling to find an idea that inspires you or connects you to someone in need, I invite you to search for the Light the World campaign which is sponsored every year by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It can be found on the web, Facebook, Instagram, and X. On the Light the World site, there is a Kindness Randomizer which you can refresh as often as  needed to generate a service idea that you like. Don’t miss an opportunity to bring the world a new-born king this Christmas. Share a song, a thought, a gift, donate food, or give your time in an act of service. I promise you will feel the Savior’s love when you do.

Jonathan Stapley is president of The Reading Pennsylvania Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and directs the spiritual leadership of 9 congregations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. President Stapley can be contacted at readingpastakepres@gmail.com. For information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, go to www.comeuntochrist.org.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/12/06/faith-values-even-small-gifts-are-expressions-of-kindness/