Ellie Winstead:

I remember learning “Noel” (Chris Tomlin and Lauren Daigle) on the piano when I was little. Because it became one of the only songs I knew how to play (sorry, Mom), I’ve always loved it. But as I grew older, I started to truly understand the words of the song — especially the line, “Christ the everlasting Lord, He shall reign forevermore.”

I’ve also always loved “Mary, Did You Know?” by Pentatonix. It may be a popular song, but it’s incredible to think about the miracle that took place — especially from Mary’s point of view. An angel came to tell her what was going to come to pass for her and for the Savior she would bring into the world.

Ammon Winstead:

"Silent Night" — This is my favorite Christmas hymn. It helps me remember how special and holy that still Christmas night was when Jesus was born. Thinking of that silent and peaceful night helps me see the peace, love, and joy I can experience as I turn to Him. I remember during the holiday seasons my mom having this rendition of “Silent Night” on all the time — whether she was cooking, driving us somewhere, or it was simply playing while we spent time together as a family.

"Far Away" — This song was shown to me by a really close friend two years ago, and it has quickly become one of my favorite Christmas songs. I love how it tells the story of someone hearing or reading about the miraculous birth of our Savior for the first time. I also love how it uses the different names of our Savior — The Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Savior of Mankind. It helps me remember that our Savior is closer than we think. In times of trouble, it is so comforting to know we have a Savior who stands by us and loves us in those moments of need.

"That’s Christmas to Me" — This is my favorite Christmas song outside of hymns. It always reminds me of the special times on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, spending time with those I love. It gives me flashbacks of my childhood and reminds me of the joy of being with family. It has also gained new meaning over the past two and a half years as I’ve dated and now married my wife. I love our new traditions, and this song captures how I feel spending time with my beautiful wife. I love the line, “The only gift I’ll ever need is the joy of family — oh, why? ’Cause that’s Christmas to me.”

I love my family. I love my Savior. I love the joy I feel during the Christmas season because of Him. I have a testimony that He was born in a humble place, that He loved and helped all who came to Him, that He died for us, and that He rose again to conquer spiritual and physical death. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.