Based on the writings of Ellen White, celebrating Christmas is not in itself a sin. However, she expressed significant concerns about the *way* in which it is often celebrated and cautioned against adopting worldly customs. Her counsel focuses on shifting the emphasis from self-indulgence and worldly amusement to a Christ-centered remembrance. ### Key Principles from Ellen White on Christmas: **1. Avoid Worldly Celebrations:** She warned against holidays being spent in a worldly manner, which she described as being "engrossed with games, with horse races, with gambling, smoking, and drunkenness" (CT 343.2). She saw that for many, holidays become "a species of idolatry, a sacrifice upon idol altars" (SpTEd 87.1) when they are centered on pleasure and amusement rather than on God. **2. Do Not Ignore the Day:** Despite her warnings about worldly celebrations, she advised parents not to simply ignore the day, as this could lead to dissatisfaction in children. Instead, she encouraged creating positive, alternative celebrations. > "I saw that our holidays should not be spent in patterning after the world, yet they should not be passed by unnoticed, for this will bring dissatisfaction to our children. On these days when there is danger that our children will be exposed to evil influences and become corrupted by the pleasures and excitement of the world, let the parents study to get up something to take the place of these dangerous amusements. Give your children to understand that you have their good and happiness in view." (CT 346.2) **3. Make it a Christ-Centered Occasion:** The primary focus of the day should be on Jesus. It is an opportunity to remember and honor God. > "Christmas and New Year's should also be seasons when every household should remember their Creator and Redeemer. Instead of bestowing gifts and offerings in such abundance on human objects, reverence, honor, and gratitude should be rendered to God, and gifts and offerings should be caused to flow in the divine channel." (CS 296.3) **4. Redirect Gift-Giving:** Ellen White suggested that instead of spending money on unnecessary gifts for friends and family, the funds should be used to support God's work. > "At the holiday season much is spent by our own people upon gifts and various gratifications which are not only useless but often hurtful. Appetite is indulged, pride and self-love are fostered, and Christ is forgotten. If the money usually devoted to these objects were all brought into the mission treasury, our foreign missions would be lifted above embarrassment. Shall we not this year consecrate to God not merely a part but all our holiday gifts for the relief of His cause, which is in so great need?" (PaM 261) In summary, Ellen White's counsel indicates that celebrating Christmas is not a sin if it is done in a way that honors God, remembers the gift of Jesus, and avoids the selfish and worldly customs that often accompany the holiday. The emphasis should be on gratitude, worship, and giving to God's cause rather than on personal pleasure and material exchange.