Christmas Gifts, Christmas Blessings

by Thomas S. Monson

President Thomas S. Monson shared the story "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Blessings" as a powerful reminder that it is more important to give than to receive. As we remember this insight during our Christmas season, we will find that Christmas gifts we share truly do become blessings in our lives as well.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday

12 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Thomas S. Monson served as the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the "Mormon Church" or "LDS Church") from 2008 to his death in 2018. Before his time as President, he had served as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church since 1985. He was ordained an Apostle and called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1963 at the unusually young age of 36.

Monson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. After serving in the US Navy and earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, he married Frances Johnson and they had three children. Monson worked in the local news publishing industry until church service became a full-time occupation.

Reviews

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great booklet! I need a box of kleenex to read these. Very sweet. This book includes the story of the electric train that Pres. Monson received one Christmas and the wind-up train that his dear mother bought for a boy around his age. If you are not familiar with the story, buy this booklet or there is a new beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story. It also contains a moving story about a Pres. Ballantyne from Star Valley, Wyoming and a particular experience he had as a young boy. That one really got me!

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these words of President Monson more than some of his other Christmas messages because it is a true story that he takes from records of LDS pioneers. This is a great story to read and share with those who love you love. I recommend it to anyone who want to hear a true Christmas tale from the mouth of the living Prophet.

[LizthePrude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Tells some stories of Pres. Monson I'd never heard before. Really sweet.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a booklet with heartwarming stories regarding giving at Christmas time.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short collection of heartwarming Christmas stories.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a short, inspirational book with a few lovely stories that depict the power and blessing of giving to others. Christmas is a time of giving and blessings. The stories shared are heart-warming.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby short book on joys of Christmas giving

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another little booklet I got from church at some point and just had stashed in my to be read pile.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas S. Monson always has good teachings and good stories.