Opening the Gifts of Christmas

A lovely folktale holds that when Christianity first came to northern Europe, four spirits representing the virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, and Love were sent from heaven to place lights on the original Christmas tree. Opening the Gifts of Christmas invites readers to honor those spirits year round with a collection of heartwarming holiday stories and suggestions for living the four virtues every day.

Every year it seems the Christmas season grows longer--decorations appear in stores even before Halloween--and yet our collective Christmas spirit wanes. The holiday frenzy erodes our Christmas cheer, and on December 26 any warm yuletide sentiments we have left are packed away with the ornaments and wrapping paper for another ten months. What if, instead of losing the Christmas spirit so quickly, we could extend the faith, hope, charity, and love we feel at Christmastime throughout the year?

Opening the Gifts of Christmas can help us do just that. In four sections, best-selling authors Jennifer Basye Sander and Jamie Miller define each virtue and explain not only its connection to Christmas but also its importance in our everyday lives. Inspiring true stories illuminate each of the virtues, followed by suggestions for practicing them everyday.

Opening the Gifts of Christmas will help readers internalize the spirit of Christmas so that it is just they may have greater joy and personal peace year round.