Preparedness

I recently had the honor of serving the Jewish community in Pasadena and Altadena following the devastating fires in Southern California this past January. This experience gave me the opportunity to work with some truly remarkable people, including a Rabbi in Canada who offered guidance as we prepared gifts for the families affected. As I’ve reflected on that time, I’ve been inspired by what we can learn from our Jewish friends as we prepare for the Christmas season.

The story of Hanukkah reminds us of faith, courage, and dedication. When the Jewish people were conquered by the Syrian-Greek armies and forced to abandon their faith, a small group known as the Maccabees rose up in defiance. Against overwhelming odds, they reclaimed their temple. When they sought to rededicate it, they found only enough oil to light the menorah for one night—but miraculously, the oil burned for eight days. This miracle is remembered each year during Hanukkah.

The word Hanukkah means “dedication,” commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Each night, another candle on the menorah is lit, symbolizing the enduring light of faith and God’s miracles. Traditionally, menorahs are placed in windows or doorways to “publicize the miracle.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, how are we “publicizing” the miracle of His birth, life, and Atonement?

Giving to those in need is a central part of Hanukkah—a principle that also beautifully aligns with the spirit of Christmas. President Thomas S. Monson once reminded us, “We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children.” Are we preparing for Christmas with that same purpose in mind?

One of the traditions I deeply admire is the Jewish observance of the Sabbath, or Shabbat. Many of the Jewish people I’ve met do not answer calls or emails from sunset Friday to an hour after sunset Saturday, dedicating that time entirely to rest, worship, and family. How are we doing in honoring our own Sabbath?

Many Jewish families use the eight nights of Hanukkah to spend intentional time together. As we prepare for Christmas, we can do the same—plan a game night, bake together, deliver treats to neighbors, or watch a favorite Christmas movie. Such memories strengthen families and remind us of the joy of being together.

The Torah reading for Hanukkah includes the beautiful blessing from Numbers 6:24–26:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”

What a perfect reminder of that same blessing from the Savior, that through Him we find the promise of love and peace from our Heavenly Father.

As we approach this season, let’s simplify our celebrations so we can focus on what truly matters—faith, family, and the Savior. Establish family traditions, however small. They bring peace, comfort, and happy memories. They also help us heal and strengthen one another during difficult times.

Why do we make everything so complicated? Now is the time to decide this holiday season, you are going to make some small changes to help simplify. Begin today to reduce holiday stress so you can focus on a peaceful, family and faith-filled holiday season.

Traditions provide comfort, reassurance, and happy memories. They support mental health for both adults and children by reinforcing connection and stability. Family traditions help people face challenges together and promote recovery and peace of mind.

Keep a journal and have a family member write in it before bed each night. Record Christmas-related events, the Christmas newsletter you received, cookies you baked and the recipe, decorations you hung, favorite Christmas carols, or the Christmas movie you watched.

Hang a picture of the Savior in prominent places.

Place simple nativities in each bedroom and the family room. They don’t need to be expensive—affordable options can be found at dollar stores or bought at deep discounts after Christmas.

Change your bedtime routine and sing a Christmas carol that is focused on the Savior each night before you tuck in the kids.

Create a few special holiday foods that your family can look forward to each year. If you ever need to evacuate during a holiday, you’ll still be able to make these familiar, comforting dishes.

Make a small ornament or favorite treat and play Secret Santa. Place the gift on the doorstep, ring the bell, and run like mad! One year, we delivered homemade bread to a couple. The husband in the home was 50, and he told his wife later that no one had ever done that before. He was so moved. This tradition will make treasured memories for your family and for those you visit.

Watch a Christmas movie together as a family. Pop popcorn and get on your jammies, ignore the phone, and just enjoy some quiet time together. Our family favorites have changed over the years, but the tradition of watching a movie continues even into the next generation for our children and grandchildren.

Play Christmas carols while you eat breakfast.

No money for decorations, raid the printer and make snowflakes to hang from the ceiling and light fixtures, and tape them to windows.

Make a paper chain and count down the days until Christmas.

To make the holidays more enjoyable, plan for the inevitable, start today:

Clean your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. Get rid of all those old jars of jelly that have turned to sugar, and wrinkled fruits and veggies. Now you have room for holiday foods, and you know where everything is and what you need to add to the shopping list.

Inventory baking supplies and replenish anything needed. Don’t worry about sale prices, just do it. Of course, if your in-house General Store is stocked, you can skip this step.

Make up master mixes for the foods you know you will be making. We love puff pancakes so I have a master mix for those. It’s only three ingredients, but I don’t have to drag out the flour and make a mess all over the kitchen floor. Try the same thing for your favorite cookies and breads.

Spend one day making freezer meals. When the parties, practices, and performances get to be overwhelming, grab a meal from the freezer and bake it while you wrap gifts together or dress for the night’s activities.

Prepare your holiday feast in advance. Bake your turkey or ham and reheat. Prepare appetizers and freeze. Quiche, pigs in a blanket, sweet and sour meatballs, lots of things freeze well.

Better yet…make a big Christmas dinner a thing of the past. Purchase croissants, artisan bread, meats, cheeses, and a few different salads, and keep it simple. Spend time enjoying family and those fun new games, movies, and other gifts.

Prepare for surprise guests by wrapping up a few handmade ornaments or a small box or bag of treats. Place them in a basket, and you are ready to grab one when you are surprised.

Send out Valentine’s Day Newsletters and don’t add to the Christmas stress. Let’s face it, people will be more likely to really read them when they receive your note, and it is not one of twenty.

Remember, the heart of Christmas is not in the gifts, but in the giving—in the moments we share with family and friends, the service we offer, and the love we show.

May we, like those who light the menorah, share our light with the world and “publicize” the miracle of our Savior’s birth and redeeming love.