But when it comes to Christmas, those rules go flying out the window. I love Christmas—the lights, the songs, the holiday parties, spending time with my family—and even the ugly Christmas sweaters.

More than anything, I love celebrating Jesus during this time.

This year, my brother brought his girlfriend along for our trip to Grandma’s house. This generally would have been an exciting introduction into our family. But this girl is Jewish, and doesn’t celebrate Jesus, His birth, or anything pertaining to this holiday.

I’ve been so sheltered and surrounded my entire life by a family—parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc—that completely embrace what this season means and who love Jesus deeply. I forget there are people in America that don’t believe in what this time of the year symbolizes.

I know my brother’s girlfriend heard the plan of salvation more than 15 times through prayers, Bible readings, and casual conversation. Yet she still thinks the whole idea of Jesus is ridiculous.

I think most of get so wrapped up in what Christmas means for us and our families and how Americanized it’s become, we can’t see that it’s the most valuable, opportune time to share Christ’s love with those who don’t know him.

Easter is coming up next. Perfect opportunity, don’t you think?