What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our

Host: The soft flicker of the Christmas lights in the corner casts a peaceful glow around the room, the warmth of the holiday season filling the air. Jack and Jeeny sit side by side, a quiet, reflective mood settling over them. There’s a stillness in the room as they consider the words they’ve just discussed. The true spirit of the season, it seems, is not just in what we give, but in how we choose to live.

Jeeny: "Thomas S. Monson once said, 'What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps.' It really makes you think about what Christmas is all about, doesn’t it? The gift-giving part is important, but the real question is: how are we living in a way that reflects the teachings of kindness, love, and gratitude that the season encourages?"

Jack: He leans back slightly, reflecting on her words. "I think Monson’s quote really gets to the heart of it. Christmas is often seen as a time for giving material gifts, but what he’s talking about is the deeper gift—the gift of gratitude. It’s not about just giving things to each other, it’s about giving our hearts, our time, and our attention to the principles that Jesus taught. If we truly want to give something meaningful, it’s the way we live and how we reflect those teachings in our daily lives that matters most."

Jeeny: "Yes! It’s about living with intent—choosing to follow those teachings every day, not just at Christmas. When we choose to be kind, to be forgiving, to love without expectation, we’re giving the gift of gratitude not only to those around us but to God as well. And that’s the kind of giving that doesn’t just fade when the season ends." She smiles softly. "I think that’s the true spirit of Christmas—living the values of love and gratitude all year long."

Jack: "Exactly. Gratitude is the key here. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of buying presents or planning the perfect holiday, but if we’re not living out the essence of what Christmas is truly about—love, selflessness, and grace—then we miss the point. The best gift we can give to others, and to God, is to truly live those values." He pauses, his voice growing softer. "And in doing so, we create a life that’s filled with more than just the stuff of Christmas. We create a life of purpose, of meaningful connections, and of peace."

Jeeny: "It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of the season and forget about the deeper meaning. But when we make a conscious effort to live the way Jesus did—helping others, showing love, practicing gratitude—we’re giving something that lasts beyond the holiday. We’re offering a gift that’s eternal in its value." She leans in, her eyes steady. "And in that way, every day can feel like Christmas, a day to give our hearts, to give of ourselves."

Host: The room is filled with a quiet, peaceful understanding. The conversation has shifted from the outward bustle of Christmas to the deeper, more lasting gifts we can give—the gift of gratitude, the gift of love, the gift of living in a way that mirrors the teachings of Christ. Jack and Jeeny sit in this moment of reflection, each considering how they can make this Christmas—and every day—a chance to give the most meaningful gifts they have to offer.

As the evening continues, the world outside seems distant, the stillness of the room a reminder that the best gifts are often not wrapped in paper, but are lived out through actions and kindness. The essence of Christmas, they realize, lies in how we choose to live the teachings of love and gratitude—not just during the holiday, but throughout the year.