“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go…” Many different families have different holiday traditions and hold onto different memories in the holiday season—but the same thing reigns true: that unto us, the Son of God was born. What is your favorite Christmas memory?

“My favorite Christmas memory is to be surrounded by family and my church (Astoria Corps) family. Enjoying a warm meal at the table, listening to Christmas music, singing and dancing offbeat. Just being in the moment with one another is what I treasure most about the Christmas season.”

Nicole, 18
East Elmhurst, NY 

“Christmas is my favorite! We live so far from our family, so my favorite memories are just being able to see them and play with cousins. Last year, we played Christmas Bingo and that was a lot of fun!”

Lillian, 13
Alexandria, VA 

“My favorite thing about Christmas is getting to see and be with family I don’t get to see often. Being together makes the Christmas season feel complete.” 

Lorin, 23 
Harrah, OK 

“It is actually more of an odd tradition. Every year, my younger brothers would wake up super early on Christmas morning and drag me to the living room. I would come down with a cold and be lying on the couch sniffling while my brothers checked their stockings. It’s strange, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” 

Micah, 23 
Lakewood, CO

Did You Know? 
How did The Salvation Army Kettles get their start? Captain Joseph McFee felt burdened by individuals going hungry on the streets of San Francisco and wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner. Thinking back to his days in Liverpool, England, he remembered the Simpson’s Pot, where passersby would toss a coin or two to help the needy. He set up a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing and the rest is history.

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