LDS Flow A comprehensive online experience for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Christmas is a time of joy, family, and togetherness. For many of us, it’s a season filled with warm memories, traditions, and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. But for thousands of young Latter-day Saint (LDS) missionaries, this Christmas will look a little different.
These young men and women, often just 18 or 19 years old, are serving missions far from home, often in unfamiliar countries or states, dedicating 18 to 24 months of their lives to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of them are experiencing Christmas away from their families for the very first time, and while they’re focused on their calling, it’s still a challenging time for them emotionally.
As we celebrate this holiday season, there’s an opportunity for each of us to show kindness and support to these missionaries. Here’s why it matters and how we can make their Christmas a little brighter.
Why Missionaries Sacrifice Christmas with Family
LDS missionaries leave behind much of what’s familiar to them to dedicate their time to serving others. For these young adults, Christmas is not about receiving gifts or relaxing by the fire—it’s about focusing on Christ and sharing His message of love, hope, and redemption.
While this purpose brings them great joy, it’s natural for missionaries to feel homesick during the holiday season. They miss their families, the traditions they grew up with, and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. For many, Christmas is a day that reminds them of both the blessings of their mission and the sacrifices they’ve made to serve.
How We Can Help Make Their Christmas Special
If you know LDS missionaries in your area, there are simple and meaningful ways to help them feel loved and supported this Christmas. Here are a few ideas:
1. Invite Them to Join Your Celebration
Missionaries are away from their families, but they’d deeply appreciate being a part of yours. Consider inviting them over for a holiday dinner, a game night, or even just a cup of hot cocoa. Sharing your family’s traditions with them can help them feel connected and valued.
Opening your home to missionaries during Christmas creates a vital connection to the warmth of family they’re missing. Consider making them part of your family’s cherished traditions, from decorating cookies to singing carols. Create an environment that feels like home without overwhelming them – include them in gift exchanges, take photos they can share with their families, and plan activities that respect their missionary schedule. Whether it’s Christmas dinner, breakfast, or even a casual hot chocolate evening, these moments help fill the void of being away from home. Share your family’s traditions while asking about theirs, creating a bridge between their mission life and their home memories.
2. Offer Small Acts of Kindness
Missionaries live on a strict budget and often don’t have access to many comforts. A care package with gloves, scarves, snacks, or even a handwritten note can mean the world to them. If they’re serving in a cold area, think about practical gifts like hand warmers or cozy socks.
Missionaries operate on limited budgets and often go without many comforts we take for granted. Thoughtful care packages can make a tremendous difference in their daily lives. Consider their specific needs based on their location – warm gear for cold climates, sun protection for warm areas. Include quality necessities like socks, personal care items, and study supplies. Remember their favorite snacks from home, and include practical items like grocery store gift cards. These gestures show them they’re cared for and thought about. Be mindful of their limited storage space and mission rules when selecting items, focusing on useful and meaningful gifts that make their service easier.
3. Attend Their Church Services
Many missionaries will host or participate in special Christmas services or events in their local congregations. Attending these events not only shows support but also helps you connect with them and the message they’re sharing.
Your presence at Christmas services and events means more than you might realize. Arrive early to greet them, participate enthusiastically in their programs, and stay afterward to meet their investigators. Show genuine interest in their work by engaging with the people they’re teaching and offering help with any special events they’re organizing. Your active participation demonstrates support for their mission and helps create a welcoming environment for visitors. When you attend their services, you become part of their mission story and help build the community they’re working to strengthen.
4. Share Words of Encouragement
Missionaries love hearing that their efforts are appreciated. Whether it’s a simple “Thank you for what you’re doing” or a thoughtful letter, your words of encouragement can sustain them during a difficult time.
Written and spoken encouragement can sustain missionaries through difficult moments during the holiday season. Share specific examples of how their service has impacted the community or individuals. Write thoughtful letters describing the positive changes you’ve witnessed through their work. Include funny moments you’ve shared and acknowledge both their successes and challenges. Consider organizing ward members to write Christmas messages or create a collective card. Your words remind them that their sacrifice is noticed and appreciated, especially during this emotionally challenging time of year.
5. Help Them Connect with Loved Ones
Missionaries are encouraged to video call their families on Christmas Day. If you know a missionary in your area, consider lending them a quiet space or a reliable internet connection so they can speak with their loved ones without distractions.
Christmas calls home are precious moments for missionaries, and you can help make these connections meaningful. Provide a quiet, private space with reliable internet and comfortable seating. Test the connection beforehand and have backup devices ready. Be mindful of time zones for international calls and respect their approved calling schedule and duration. Create a cozy environment but give them complete privacy during their calls. Remember that these conversations can be emotionally intense – have tissues available and give them time to compose themselves afterward. Your support in facilitating these connections helps bridge the distance between missionaries and their families during this special day.
The Spirit of Christmas: Giving Love and Light
Ultimately, the best way to support missionaries this Christmas is to embody the true spirit of the season. Christ’s birth represents love, sacrifice, and service—principles that these young missionaries are striving to live every day. By showing them kindness, we can be a reflection of the Savior’s love and remind them that they’re not alone, even when they’re far from home.
So, as you prepare to celebrate Christmas with your family, take a moment to think about the missionaries in your area. A small act of kindness could make all the difference in their holiday season. After all, Christmas is about giving—and what better gift can we give than our love and support to those who are giving so much of themselves?
Let’s make this Christmas one to remember, not just for us, but for the missionaries who are spending it in service to the Savior.
