Christmas Message #1
Hey team! Here we are, in December, enjoying the holiday season with parties and celebrations. Today, I’m dressed for a party we’re hosting in Longview. Merry Christmas, Longview! We’re excited to join you with white elephant gifts, turkey, and lots of fun.
Next Wednesday, we’ll be celebrating in Portland. I’ll be in a different shirt, looking a little different, but bringing the same holiday cheer. For those who haven’t RSVP’d yet, I encourage you to do so ASAP. Let’s share some amazing food, great company, and festive memories.
Last Christmas, I stood on a lava rock outside a condo in Hawaii, watching the sunset with my family. That beautiful sunset behind me in this moment is a reminder of that special time. It’s a reflection of the memories we make, not just during the holidays but throughout life.
I want to share a quote with you: “As you grow older, Christmas lists get shorter because the things you want can’t be bought.” I’m not sure who said it, I found it on social media, but it struck a chord with me. While I agree that our Christmas lists get shorter, I think the reasoning is different.
It’s not just about things that can’t be bought. It’s about realizing that material items, no matter how much they cost or how much we think we want them, don’t bring true joy or fulfillment. A Hummer H1 or a Corvette might be fun and exciting, but they come with higher gas prices, insurance payments, and fleeting happiness.
The joy that lasts, the kind of joy that fills our hearts, comes from moments shared with loved ones. It’s sitting on a beach holding someone’s hand while watching the sunset. It’s standing on Mount Hood, watching your child sled down the hill, creating memories despite the cold.
This week, I watched my boys hang ornaments on the tree, reliving memories with each one. At the office, we have ornaments from past parties—a stick of butter ornament from 2023’s white elephant exchange, for example. These small tokens remind me of the people who gifted them, and every year, they bring back memories of time spent together.
These moments, these memories, are priceless. You can’t buy that kind of joy or fulfillment. It doesn’t come from rushing out to shop or scrolling endlessly through Amazon. Instead of buying gifts that may end up forgotten, give your time. Hug someone. Spend an hour with them.
If your grandparents are still here, cherish them. Ask questions, listen to their stories, and wrap them in your love. If you have aging parents, spend time with them. Share moments with your spouse, your children, and your friends.
This is what lasts, this is what matters. This is what makes Christmas truly joyful and fulfilling.
On this beautiful day, in this beautiful season, I want you to know that I love you, God loves you, and you are valuable. Spend time showing others that they matter. Wrap your life into theirs and make a difference that lasts far beyond the holidays.
I’ll see you at the Christmas party—Longview next week and Portland soon after. God bless you, and have a Merry Christmas.
