We’re Never Too Far Gone: Finding Hope in Christmas Traditions This Year

Join Shannon Bream as she welcomes Megan Alexander, bestselling author, Inside Edition correspondent, actress, producer, songwriter, and mom of three, to discuss her new book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning Behind Our Most Cherished Traditions. As someone constantly fighting the battle of commercialization versus the spiritual meaning of Christmas, Megan dreaded the moment her kids would ask, “Is there really a Santa Claus?” Her research led to a beautiful discovery: Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas, a bishop who loved Jesus, grew up in modern day Turkey, and devoted himself to serving his neighbors through a life of poverty. The tradition of stockings? St. Nicholas dropped gold coins in stockings hung by the fire to save poor daughters from prostitution. Secret Santa and gift giving? All from him. But Megan didn’t stop there—she discovered Jesus is alive and well in so many Christmas traditions once you dust off the settled dust. The candy cane was created by a German candy maker in the 1800s to remind kids of Jesus (the shepherd’s hook represents the Good Shepherd, red and white symbolize His blood and our being washed white as snow). Wreaths are circles with no beginning or end, representing everlasting life. Even eggnog has meaning: oranges symbolize gold, nutmeg represents frankincense, cinnamon represents myrrh from the wise men. With a 25 day Advent devotional format, practical crafts, recipes, and a section on bells inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s grief turned hope—offering encouragement for anyone seeking less hustle, more heartfelt cheer this Christmas.