Christmas carries a light that belongs to everyone — a season of shared tables, remembered friendships, and quiet moments of hope. These quotations gather voices that remind us to keep that light glowing, not only in December, but whenever the heart needs warmth. At the center is a blessing from Charles Dickens: “Many merry Christmases, friendships, great accumulation of cheerful recollections, affection on earth, and Heaven at last for all of us.”

I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. ~ Luke 2:10–12

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. ~ Agnes M. Pharo

Christmas happens everywhere every time someone reaches out to touch another life with love. ~ Carol Duerksen

The only real blind person at Christmas time is the one who has not Christmas in his heart. ~ Helen Keller

There is a better thing than the observance of Christmas Day, and that is, keeping Christmas. ~ Henry van Dyke

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. ~ Calvin Coolidge

Christmas is the day that holds time together. ~ Alexander Smith

Christmas — that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance — a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. ~ Augusta E. Rundel

There are no strangers on Christmas Eve. ~ Adele Comandini

An informal survey shows that what most people want for Christmas is two more weeks to prepare for it. ~ Bob Stanley

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. ~ Janice Maeditere, Heart of Christmas

Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day. ~ Helen Steiner Rice

There is no ideal Christmas, only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions. ~ Bill McKibben, Hundred Dollar Holiday