Christmas is a time for joy and hope.

For many, it is a time of family traditions, whether it’s baking cookies, decorating the Christmas tree, going to church, giving gifts or helping someone in need, or other cherished traditions handed down by family members throughout the years. People enter into these traditions with various degrees of enthusiasm and wonder, but keeping traditions gives them a good feeling year after year.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the most anticipated days of the year.

Children long for the day to come when they can find out what’s in those presents under the tree that they’ve been shaking and investigating for days, and asking if they can open them early.

For adults, the shopping season, often starting weeks earlier, comes to an end.

Throughout all the gift buying, baking, decorating, parties and other get-togethers, it is important to keep the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts.

Christmas is a religious celebration, a time when Christians throughout the world celebrate the birth of Jesus. Churches hold services leading up to this day and some also hold services on this day.

Whatever your religious beliefs may be, it is impossible to walk into a store or drive down a street without seeing and feeling this is the Christmas season. Those who do not have the same beliefs might even join in the season.

Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends. If you are away from home and can’t be near your family, look to friends, a church or an organization to spend the time.

If you know someone who is alone, visit them or invite them to your home. Don’t forget those who are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and are unable to get out to join gatherings.

Many like to spend the season giving back to their communities in various ways or helping those who are less fortunate. These deeds of helping others and giving back do not need to end at Christmas but Christmas deeds can go on throughout the year.

Enjoy this special time and despite the rush of the season, take some time to reflect on what the Christmas season means to you, your family and friends.

May peace and joy be in your heart. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas.