Merry Christmas 2025

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Merry Christmas 2025! Three quotes about the Christmas spirit from Bill Curtis, William Arthur Ward, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Merry Christmas 2025

Merry Christmas 2025! Three quotes about the Christmas spirit from Bill Curtis, William Arthur Ward, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion is starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere.

Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there: fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, and old friends.

When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge; they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”
Opening monologue in “Love, Actually” written by Bill Curtis

You just have to look for it.

Christmas is more than a time of music, merriment, and mirth;
It is a season of meditation, mangers, and miracles.

Christmas is more than a time of gaiety, greenery, and gifts;
It is a season of wonder, worship, and wise men.

Christmas is more than a time of tinsel, trees, and toys;
It is a season of preparation, prayers, and peace.

Christmas is more than a time of festivities, family, and friends;
It is a season of generosity, gladness, and gratitude.

Christmas is more than a time of carols, cards, and candy;
It is a season of dedication, direction, and decision.

Christmas is more than Santa, stockings and surprises;
It is Christ, caring, and concern.

Christmas is more than parties, presents, and pleasures;
It is a star, a stable, and a Savior.

William Arthur Ward “Christmas Is More Than“

I like the way he juxtaposes the celebration and spiritual aspects of Christmas. I initially discovered this couplet searching for wonder related quotes: “Christmas is more than a time of gaiety, greenery, and gifts; / It is a season of wonder, worship, and wise men.” Further research uncovered the full poem.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

[…]

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
    “For hate is strong,
    And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
    The Wrong shall fail,
    The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “Christmas Bells,” written on Christmas Day 1863

A clear-eyed view of ourselves and of the world sees wonders, faults, and problems. Such is the nature of free will. But in that same nature is our opportunity to improve ourselves and the world.

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