Gathering during the holidays is supposed to be joyful, and for some of us, it might be. But for others, being with friends or family we haven't seen in ages might make us feel overwhelmed and stressed. Wherever you are on this spectrum, on this week's episode, Katie Hughes, co-author of "The Gathering Home," shares practical tips and much-needed perspective on how to make any gathering special. So as we head into this Christmas season with all of its hustle and bustle, may we invite you to take a few minutes to join us in considering ways to remember that He is the reason for the season.

2:51- The Magic of the Holidays

5:32- Connection Over Perfection

9:05- Planning- The Key to Eliminating Stress

11:23- Thanksgiving

14:10- Christmas Advent

18:34- Light The World

23:51- Traditions Past and Present

33:32- Christmas Music

37:25- Peace, Calm, and Stillness

43:23- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

 

"If you think about that star that you're cutting out of your cookie dough or hanging on your tree, all these commercial-type parts of Christmas, if they're not leading us to Jesus in some way—leading us to Bethlehem in some way—then it's a Christmas without Christ.”

Episode references:

The Gather Home Book

Article about The Gathering Home with quote from Emily Belle Freeman about Katie 

James E. Faust quote-

"No one can measure the effect of an unselfish act of kindness. By small, simple things great things do indeed come to pass. Of course gifts given and gifts received make Christmas special. For many children Christmas Eve is a very long night as they look forward with eager anticipation to the gifts Santa brings, which is why children love Santa Claus. Let me share what someone once said about Santa Claus: First of all, he's a joyous individual.

People are attracted to joyous individuals as filings are attracted to a magnet. Next, Santa Claus is interested in making others happy. He increases the happy moments in the life of everyone he meets. He loves his work; he gets fun out of his job. He is childlike, simple, humble, sincere, and forgiving. Finally, he is a giver. His philosophy is to give himself away in service. He is a friend to everyone. He smiles. Perhaps you and I could attain greater happiness if we emulated Santa Claus a little more, for his way is the way of the Infant Jesus also.”

James E Faust The Man Who Would Be Santa. First Presidency Christmas Devotional. December 06, 1998

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