Celebrating Christmas Away from Home and Family

For us, as with many of you, Christmas has always been about family. Our Christmas celebrations are traditionally big, with family members gathering from three different states to be together. For the last 35 years of our marriage we shared it with extended family from both sides. So, when our mission call came and we realized that this year would be different, we were both curious to see what it would be like to celebrate  Christmas away from those we love, in a country where Christians are the minority.

We know that the pandemic altered many Christmas plans around the world this year. Many people had to celebrate the holiday far away from those they love, and some even celebrated it alone, as did my dad. As we searched for new ways to celebrate, we discovered the core principles that make Christmas so special. We found ways to reach out and connect, not only with family, but for those around us who needed a family.

As missionaries and as witnesses of Jesus Christ, we knew Christmas would be an opportunity for us to share our beliefs, and it was wonderful to see all of the miracles that occurred during this special time of year. I traded decorating my house for decorating the tree at church. I traded making a big Christmas feast for family, for making a potluck dish for senior missionaries, Our traditional family talent show was traded for a missionary talent show, which included real talent. Last minute Christmas shopping at malls became shopping at the night market for packages sent early. Neighbor gifts and Christmas cards were traded for digital greetings.

But for all the things that were different, we found an equal number of things that did not change. Christmas carols were sung by ward families in their neighborhoods, even when those neighborhoods were busy city streets among high rise apartments. Carols and Christmas music still filled our holiday with messages of the Savior and his mission. We felt we had a big family around us as we fed missionaries, wrapped their gifts, and shared family night lessons with the senior missionaries. And we now know that ward Christmas parties are the same wherever you go. We even had a chance to see a huge display of Christmas lights in a country where just 40 years ago, when Rick last spent Christmas here, there was hardly any evidence of a celebration at all.

Being away from home reminded me that I need to watch for opportunities to invite others into our home. We were so grateful for all of the people who invited us to celebrate with them in their homes, knowing that we would be missing our own families. We were so grateful to see all of the new and creative ways that families and individual people show Christlike love to others, no matter where they live. We were reminded of all the miracles of technology that have occurred in the past few years that made it possible for us to witness our grandchildren opening their presents on Christmas morning, even though we couldn't be there in person.

Our favorite part of Christmas this year was the opportunity we had to be part of the Christmas Fireside that our mission performed.  I had a chance to conduct about 60 missionaries through a program that included choir numbers, instrumental solos and duets, narration, video clips and testimonies. It was a program that was put together by the President and Sister Peterson. There were two performances, one in the afternoon and another that same evening, with a break in between to feed the missionaries. It took a few months of rehearsals and lots of spreading the word to prepare for the big day. The chapel, overflow, and cultural hall were filled to capacity for the afternoon performance, with some people standing in the back and others listening to it in the halls. Family members had traveled from all over the island to see their missionaries perform. Investigators came at the invitation of missionaries and members alike. Local members who couldn't find a place at the first performance came to the evening performance. Another 5,000 or so watched it on Facebook Live.

All of this gathering could be done because Covid-19 is rare and under control here in Taiwan, so we had a unique opportunity to be together (with masks, of course) and to feel the power of the Spirit fill the room and our hearts as we sang our testimonies of the Savior. Hearts were touched and many people were moved to seek lessons with the missionaries (73 referrals were made within the first week after the performance). One woman, who had watched it on Facebook, started the missionary discussions by telling the missionaries she wanted to be baptized. Past Christmas concerts have been very effective here in teaching people about Jesus Christ, so we knew that this would be a special chance for the Spirit to reach people and touch their hearts. Many baptisms have and will come through this, which means people can find hope and the opportunity to make and keep sacred covenants. These covenants will bless their lives and those of their family members. We have seen so many miracles, and so many lives blessed, as people have accepted the gospel and changed their lives. 

This is what Christmas is all about. Each day we’re learning to become better disciples of Christ. Each day, we’re given the opportunity to repent and grow. We’re so grateful for this blessing of being here in Taiwan, we love our mission. Even though we are trying our best to serve, we are humbled by the service we receive. With Christmas now behind us and Guonian (or Chinese New Year) ahead of us, we are filled with a desire to become better disciples of our Savior and to remember Him always.