Rochelle HaleDecember 23, 2022

I served back in the dark ages when we could not call home or get packages because of sketchy mail service. When our youngest son served we learned that some missionaries never receive gifts from home because their parents are not supportive or because they can’t afford it, so we always sent extra things for our son’s companions. In our mission we have contributed when missionaries won’t be getting packages from home (somehow the mission president knows), we have contributed gently used clothing to the mission office rather than donating to charities, and we always fill a stocking for our ward missionaries who visit or share a meal with us on Christmas Eve. When I write to missionaries I tell them to forget the traditions of home and what they may be missing. They should make memories with the Christmas or two ( and birthdays or other occasions) that they are away. They may learn some new traditions or eat foods that they want to incorporate into their own families someday.0