Based on the writings of Ellen G. White, Christians can observe Christmas and New Year's, but the focus and manner of celebration should be distinctly different from worldly customs. Her counsel centers on shifting the focus from secular festivities to spiritual reflection and consecration. ### On Celebrating Christmas Ellen White acknowledged that the exact date of Christ's birth is unknown and that the celebration on December 25th is a popular custom rather than a divine command. However, she advised against ignoring the day, suggesting instead that it be used as an opportunity to honor Christ. **1. Redirect the Focus to Christ:** She expressed concern that many celebrations honor man rather than God. The focus should be on Jesus and His sacrifice. * "The world at large celebrates the day, they show no honor to Christ. They refuse to acknowledge Him as their Saviour, to honor Him by willing obedience to His service. They show preference to the day, but none to the one for whom the day is celebrated, Jesus Christ." (*Review and Herald*, Dec. 9, 1884). **2. Re-channel Gift-Giving:** Instead of the common practice of exchanging numerous gifts with friends and family, she encouraged giving offerings to God to support His work. * "Brethren and sisters, while you are devising gifts for one another, I would remind you of our heavenly Friend, lest you should be unmindful of His claims. Will He not be pleased if we show that we have not forgotten Him?" (*Review and Herald*, Dec. 11, 1879). * She did not wholly condemn giving gifts to friends but recommended they be purposeful: "We should make our gifts such as will prove a real benefit to the receiver. I would recommend such books as will be an aid in understanding the Word of God, or that will increase our love for its precepts" (*Review and Herald*, Dec. 11, 1879). **3. Create a Christ-Centered Atmosphere:** She suggested using the holiday to teach children about Jesus and to create a positive, spiritual environment. This could include a "Christmas tree" decorated with offerings for the church or the poor, turning a worldly custom into a sanctified one. * "Let there be recorded in the heavenly books such a Christmas as has never yet been seen, because of the donations which shall be given for the sustaining of the work of God and the upbuilding of His kingdom" (*Review and Herald*, Dec. 9, 1884). ### On Celebrating New Year's Ellen White viewed the New Year not as a time for worldly parties, but as a sacred opportunity for spiritual renewal and rededication to God. **1. A Time for Consecration:** She urged believers to begin the year by dedicating their lives anew to God's service. * "The new year has commenced, and with the commencement of this new year, you should dedicate yourselves to God. Now give yourself to him, soul, body, and spirit, to do his will" (YI, Jan. 1, 1856). **2. An Opportunity for a Fresh Start:** It is a time to leave past sins behind and resolve to live a more holy life. * "Let all selfishness, your disobedience to your parents, all your faults, and besetting sins die with the old year. Begin this new year to the glory of God" (YI, Jan. 1, 1856). **3. A Call to Renewed Mission:** She saw the new year as a call to action, urging believers to increase their efforts in sharing the gospel. * "For Christ's sake, my brethren and sisters, make the most of the hours of this new year to place the light of present truth before those who are now in darkness" (SW, Feb. 9, 1904). In summary, Ellen White's counsel is not a prohibition of these holidays, but a call to redeem them from worldly indulgence and transform them into sacred occasions for honoring God, reflecting on His goodness, and renewing one's commitment to Him.