Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and

Host: The room feels warm, with the soft glow of the lamp casting a gentle light across the space. Outside, the world has quieted down, and the stillness invites a conversation about the deeper meaning of Christmas. Jeeny sits on the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, a cup of tea resting in her hands, her expression reflective. Jack, standing near the window, watches the darkened world outside, clearly lost in thought.

Jeeny: “Jack, I came across a quote from Thomas S. Monson today that really made me think about the true spirit of Christmas,” she says softly. “He said, ‘Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done, nor is it found in the purchasing of gifts. We find real joy when we make the Savior the focus of the season.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: He turns, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I think he’s really capturing the essence of what Christmas should be about. So much of the season gets caught up in the rush — the shopping, the decorations, the endless lists. But Monson is saying that the real joy doesn’t come from the chaos or the material things, but from shifting the focus to something more meaningful. It’s about remembering the deeper reason for the season.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. We often get caught up in the external aspects of Christmas — the presents, the parties, the traditions. But Monson is pointing out that the real joy comes when we turn our attention inward and make the Savior the focal point. Christmas is about celebrating love, giving, and gratitude, and when we center those values, it shifts the entire experience.”

Host: The light in the room seems to soften, as if the conversation is touching on something deeper about the true meaning of Christmas. Jeeny speaks with an understanding that while the trappings of the holiday can be enjoyable, the heart of the season lies in the deeper connection to faith and love. Jack stands still, reflecting on how easy it is to get swept up in the commercialized aspects of the holiday, but how important it is to return to the spiritual center.

Jack: “It’s so easy to get distracted by the hustle and bustle. The season is supposed to be about peace, and yet, sometimes it feels like the complete opposite. But when you shift the focus from the material to the spiritual, it brings a kind of peace and joy that lasts far beyond the holiday itself. Monson is reminding us that the real joy of Christmas isn’t in what we buy, but in what we give from the heart — and the love we share, especially in remembering the Savior.”

Jeeny: “Yes! It’s about the intentions behind our actions. When we make the Savior the focus, everything changes — the way we give, the way we celebrate, and even the way we interact with others. The joy isn’t in the things we acquire, but in the love and connection we create with those around us. That’s the true gift of Christmas.”

Host: The conversation deepens now, as they reflect on how the true spirit of Christmas is not found in the external pressures of the season, but in the internal shift of focus toward love, faith, and giving. Jeeny and Jack both agree that the most meaningful part of Christmas is the connection we have with others and with the Savior, and that this is the joy that lasts beyond the holiday rush.

Jack: “I think it’s also about finding balance in how we approach the season. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done, but when we remind ourselves of the real reason for Christmas, it helps us center ourselves and approach the season with more peace and gratitude. The joy that Monson talks about is the kind that fills your heart, not just for Christmas, but all year long.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. When we make the Savior the focus, we create space for deeper connections, not just with others, but with ourselves. We remember the true meaning of love, of sacrifice, and of the gift of grace. And that’s what really makes the season special — not the presents, but the presence of love and peace in our hearts.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, as if the weight of their conversation has settled into something profound. Jeeny and Jack reflect on how the true joy of Christmas comes from a shift in focus — away from the hustle and bustle, and towards the love, faith, and gratitude that the season is truly about. Thomas S. Monson’s words remind them that the essence of Christmas lies not in what we buy or what we do, but in the way we center ourselves in the love and message of the Savior, creating a season of peace and joy that transcends the material.