Rediscovering Christmas without screens

Every Who down in Whoville had tablets galore, and smartphones and headphones and gadgets and more. But the Christmas I knew, in my growing-up days, Was a season of magic in far simpler ways.

No dinging devices, no faces aglow from the light of a screen, stealing the show. Instead, there were voices, warm and sincere, Sharing stories and laughter at this time of year.

We gathered together—a family, one whole— To watch stop-motion classics that captured the soul. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” would play, And “Frosty the Snowman” would brighten the day.

Advent candles were lit, one by one, marking the weeks till the Savior would come. The scent of fresh pine from the tree filled the air, with ornaments hung with such tender care.

Each gift that was given held meaning profound, wrapped up in love, not just what could be found. And stockings were stuffed with trinkets and cheer, little tokens of joy to end the old year.

But now, as I watch, things don’t seem the same— the gadgets and gizmos have stolen the game. Heads bent in silence, no carols, no chat, Just the tap-tap of fingers on this screen and that.

So let’s put down the devices, just for a day, and spend time with loved ones in the old-fashioned way. A PS5 won’t bring joy like a heartfelt embrace, or the laughter of family in a warm, shared space.

Turn off the tablets, the phones, and the noise— rediscover the meaning of true Christmas joys. For it’s not in the presents or the games that we play, but in moments together that brighten the day.

Yet I hold to the memories, the sights and the sounds of a Christmas where love and connection abounds. So this year, I’ll try to rekindle that light— to make Christmas magic shine ever so bright.

Turn off the devices; let’s sit and just be. Let’s light up the candles and gather ‘round the tree. Let’s share in traditions, the old and the new, and make this a season of meaning for all.