— Local friends and neighbors share what Christmas and the Holiday Season means to them —
Sally Macklin —
For me, Christmas has always been about the celebration, in the darkest, coldest part of the year, of Christ’s birth, and the miracle of God becoming man, to dwell among us… and to teach us how to love one another.
Another big part of Christmas is family. I’ve spent my entire adult life thousands of miles away from my parents and siblings, so Christmas has always been a time of homecoming and reunion, and sharing the traditions from my childhood. I looked forward to visiting my family’s beautiful home in the Texas Hill Country, and the distance made those moments even more meaningful. Christmas in Texas is pretty special!
Other years, when we stayed home in Oregon, I loved finding thoughtful gifts, and I’d put on my Santa hat and spend hours wrapping them, putting as much love as I could into each one! It was my way of creating connections with family even when I couldn’t be there.
These days we are coming full circle. Now my adult sons live nearby and love celebrating Christmas in our home. Our holidays are just as joyful, meaningful, and special as my own childhood Christmases were!
Sally Macklin is a health, wellness, and nutrition coach.
Dave Hoopes —
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. A special season of wonderment, love, kindness, and generosity. It is a time of reflection, to be grateful for your life and thankful and appreciative of your loved ones and other special people.
Christmas is also the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ whom our Father in Heaven sent to us through Mary and Joseph to be your guiding light through life.
Let’s not forget the lights, flocked trees, and gift giving that is very enjoyable. This holiday is what you make it, so spread the cheer and goodwill and have a very Merry Christmas.
Dave Hoopes is a long-time management member with Weston KIA and Weston Buick GMC in Gresham
Jim Riegelmann —
Growing up in a retail family, Christmas has always been a busy time, and the joy of the season comes with learning to embrace the busyness, and respond rightly to it.
Black Friday is now Black November, one of the best times to purchase appliances, and other goods in the year.
The holiday season also brings the state championships for high school water polo, and we are “all in” supporting Sam Barlow water polo, where our son has been the coach for years, winning three state championships for Sam Barlow. We have watched three of our grandkids embrace the sport, and still enjoy watching our grandson play in college.
Christmas brings to focus the importance of giving, and understanding God’s great love and grace for us in giving us His Son. The great work of the Salvation Army in our local community is so important and necessary, and is so worth donating to.
We enjoy the ministries of Samaritan’s Purse, especially Operation Christmas Child, where this year twelve million “shoeboxes” full of toys, clothes, and other essentials will be sent to children all over the world. There are amazing stories how these boxes are a tangible expression of God’s love, and gives the child an opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ with their family and community. We are pleased to share in this ministry, promoting the joy of the season to come alive to others.
Jim Riegelmann is the owner of Riegelmann’s Appliances in Gresham, now a third-generation Gresham business
Brett Lange —
To me, Christmas embodies rest, reflection and family, a special time when life slows down for a much-needed break. It’s a season where I reflect on Christ coming into this world, and sharing that joy with loved ones as we gathered together. The twinkling lights and festive decorations set the scene for happy moments with friends and family—laughing over good meals, sharing stories by the fireplace, and making memories that last. For me, rest is more than just relaxing; it’s a chance to clear my mind and focus on the people I care about. Christmas traditions like baking cookies or watching holiday movies strengthen these ties with those around me, turning rest into something we share. It’s a reminder to value connection, over busyness and devices, finding peace in quiet moments during the holiday time. This rest and time also allow me to reflect on the birth of Christ, which gives the holiday its deeper meaning. I hope and pray that you too can rest in the comfort of Jesus and can reflect on how His birth has brought us into much greater family.
Seeing friends and family come together, to eat, laugh and play, makes me feel thankful and connected to a larger community.
Brett Lange is the owner of Crown Trophy of Gresham, marketing trophies and plaques for all occasions, as well as business promotional items for the local communities.
Jesse Sowder —
When the days grow shorter, the lowlands turn soggy, and the mountaintops are dusted white, the mood and rhythm of life shift. I used to dread the cold nights of winter, but now I embrace the season.
With children aged 9, 14, and 24, and the recent blessing of a new granddaughter, these short, dark days draw us indoors. Home-cooked meals and a warm fire comfort us and close the gaps between us. This is the time I now hold on to.
Christmas grows naturally out of these collected moments—both the loud and the quiet ones. It’s in watching my youngest’s artistic world come alive, in the drives up the mountain where my son and I have our best conversations before carving fresh tracks, and in the silly exchanges with my daughter that leave us grinning long after dinner. It is also in my wife’s smile as we move through these moments; nothing goes unnoticed. Her excitement for holiday vibes and loving warmth make our home glow. As we catch each other gazing with glee, our families content, our world slows. These are the pieces of the season that make the darkness feel softer and the days feel fuller.
And still, I treasure the quiet—the peaceful minutes after the house goes still, when the glow of the tree softens the room. In that gentle hush, Christmas is about what’s steady and real: the connection, gratitude, and warmth we create for one another in the darkest days of the year.
Jesse Sowder is the Fleet Manager (Sales and Service), for Gresham Ford.
Linda Weber —
There’s no question—the meaning of the season is about Christ, as is obviously related in the word CHRISTmas. No “happy holidays” greeting to anyone. The Christ child was born to become the sacrifice for the sin with which we were born—the pure meaning of giving demonstrated.
Over time it’s been my tradition to sing in many small groups and choirs with the historic songs of Christmas truths. These activities have filled my life with memories of meaningful traditions. Attending our church’s Christmas eve service is a highlight.
Reading the Bible’s Christmas story is an utmost priority with our family. Less spiritual traditions would be enjoying the filled stockings, making gingerbread houses — besides sharing love gifts with as many family members as can be present, while partaking of fun foods. I love memory-making with our kids.
Another avenue of Christmas meaning has been decorating our tree with forever collected angels and manger scenes, almost exclusively. We can’t forget the lighted village I love assembling for our entryway.
The pressures of extra energy needed are managed as I’ve determined to let the Reason for the season be preeminent.
Linda Weber is an author, long-time women’s ministry leader, and the wife of Stu Weber, a founding pastor of Good Shepherd Community Church in Boring.
Sandra Rich —
Christmas comes alive through its joyful sounds—music floating through the air, bells ringing, and children laughing. The scents wrap us in warmth: freshly baked cookies, hot cocoa simmering on the stove, the fragrance of Christmas trees, and cinnamon-scented pine cones.
Everywhere you look, lights glow on houses, Santa and his reindeer appear on lawns, and shoppers hurry from store to store balancing shopping bags, wrapping paper and ribbon. And then there are the feelings—joy, excitement, anticipation, and the comfort of warm embraces.
Close your eyes, and all these sights, sounds, smells, and feelings blend into the magic of Christmas.
This year, for my Mom, Christmas will be more magical than ever. At 97, she’ll now celebrate in the presence of Jesus—the One whose birth she honored so faithfully throughout her life. While Christmas is filled with the wonder of the holiday season, I have always remembered its deeper meaning: celebrating the One who came to love us and save us. My Mom filled our home with festive traditions, yet she never let us forget the true reason for it all.
Christmas remains magical, and I look forward to placing a feast on our table. But most of all, I’m in awe of the celebration my Mom is experiencing now.
Sandra Rich is on the Gresham Arthur Academy Advisory Board.
Cheryl Rush —
Christmas has always held a certain kind of magic for me. After all the preparation:
- Putting up the Christmas Tree
- Stringing lights in and out.
- Choosing the perfect gifts
- Cooking my favorite candies, decorating cookies
- Selecting the dinner menu and then preparing it.
- Setting the table just right.
When the work is done, there is something so fitting, so peaceful about spending the evening in the quiet presence of Jesus on His special day at the Candlelight Service at our Church.
Our Pastor Brad tells the story of Christ’s birth and then as one church family, we dim the lights, light our candles and softly, beautifully we all sing “Silent Night”. At that moment everything else fades away.
After, we return home with our family, I have a renewed sense of why we celebrate the birth of Christ the true meaning of Christmas.
This year feels even more special because this year I am a grandma to one and half year old Jack!
With my family gathered together, we can all share the wonder, the joy and magic of seeing Christmas through his eyes. That to me is the greatest gift of all.
Cheryl Rush is a retired labor and delivery nurse.
Faith Stewart —
For me, Christmas is all about presence over presents. It’s my favorite holiday season — and it starts the moment I find myself singing along with that first Christmas song on the radio. Hearing those familiar melodies instantly lifts my spirits and reminds me that the season of togetherness is on its way.
When it’s our turn to host our big family Christmas gathering, it gets even better — about thirty of us in our shop, filling every corner with laughter, stories, and the kind of chaos that only happens when so many of your favorite people are in the same place. Often, a few new friends join us too, because that’s what “the more, the merrier” means. In the weeks leading up to it, my kitchen is holiday baking central…it’s all part of the anticipation, pouring love into treats to share with friends, family, and clients.
When the day finally arrives, we sit down for dinner, play some ridiculous party games, and soak up the gift of simply being together. One of my favorite parts is our tradition of singing a few Christmas carols. Christmas is, after all, the celebration of Jesus’ birth — and hearing our family’s many beautiful voices blend together in praise always feels like the heart of the season.
That, to me, is Christmas.
Faith Stewart, is the owner of The Works Collective at theworkscollective.com
Trevin Webb —
Christmas, to me, is far more than a season of lights, gifts, and traditions, it’s a sacred reminder of the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything begins there. His coming into the world is the foundation of hope, love, and forgiveness, and it’s the true meaning behind all the celebration.
This time of year also pulls forward countless memories spent with family and friends. The laughter, the meals shared, the stories retold, these moments remind me how deeply blessed I am. Christmas gives me the chance to slow down, reflect, and truly appreciate the people God has placed in my life. Gratitude becomes a theme of its own during this season. I’m reminded not only of the blessings I see every day, but also the ones I often overlook, health, relationships, opportunities, even challenges that shaped me.
And finally, Christmas calls me to give. Whether it’s supporting charities, helping those who are struggling, or simply offering kindness to someone who needs it, this season prompts me to share the love that Christ first showed us. In all of these ways, faith, family, gratitude, and generosity, Christmas becomes a powerful reminder of what truly matters.
Trevin Webb is owner of Trevin Webb Insurance Agency.
Jolie Phanton —
Christmas has become less about a single day and more about an entire season—one that brings out the very best in people. There’s something almost magical about how humankind becomes more pleasant, generous, and more willing to slow down and share kindness. I find myself enjoying warm, festive moments that only this time of year can create: the quiet beauty of falling snow, the comfort of sipping hot cocoa by the fire, and the joy of gathering with family and friends. Most of all, doing something for others. Whether donating toys, food, or my time – my heart is fuller when focusing on others and making sure they feel the spirit and love.
Now I understand why people choose to decorate early. Time feels like it moves faster than it used to, and the season seems to pass in the blink of an eye. Bringing the spirit early feels like giving ourselves permission to stretch out the joy just a little longer.
Christmas to me is hope that the generosity, compassion, and warmth we show in December might stay with us. My wish is simple: carry the spirit of Christmas forward, choose kindness long after the decorations are put away.
Jolie Phanton is Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator for Mt. Hood Hospice.
Blake Horsfall —
Christmas strikes me with the gravity of a God who desired to come close. It’s not just the traditions. It’s the truth behind it. Royalty, robed in the flesh He created, stepped quietly into our world. There was no spectacle of force. Jesus, the Maker, made Himself known in the most unexpected way: by becoming a fragile child.
What grips me most is this image: the One who holds the stars in the creases of his hands, holding complete power, allowed Himself to be held in a mother’s arms. The eternal God experienced human life by breathing our air. The God beyond all boundaries entered the limits of our world, like an author stepping into His own story.
And when I sit with that reality, it asks something of me: If God was willing to come this close, how close am I willing to draw near to Him? What might that cost me?
Christmas becomes a moment of clarity—a pause that calls me to consider whether my life reflects the One I celebrate or if I simply admire Him from a distance. Am I serving those in need? Am I generous to those around me?
Yet Christmas also shifts my focus to what is to come. That child in the manger is also the King who promised to return. The first arrival points to the second.
So my heart celebrates with joy and awe because Christmas reminds me that He came once — and He will come again soon.
Blake Horsfall is the Creative Director for Horsfall Design Co. in Sandy.
Jake and Jackie Sanders —
What Christmas Means to Us at Sanders Heating & Cooling… Kindness: Christmas is a special time of giving, kindness, expressing goodwill and compassion toward others. As a small business owner in the heating trade, we do find some that are less fortunate and cold. So, we focus on donating to charities, community events, and on some occasions, a new furnace install.
This is also the season where we get to stop and enjoy quality time with family and friends, employees, and some of our company vendors and contractors. We spend the day celebrating and reflecting on the year’s challenges, and being grateful for the shared strength and successes. Merry Christmas from Sanders Heating & Cooling.
Jake and Jackie Sanders are the owners of Sanders Heating and Cooling, LLC. HVN