Christmas means more than just presents and store specials. As everyone hurries through the hustle and bustle of planning parties, baking special treats, buying gifts, and decorating, it can be easy to forget the true purpose and “spirit” of Christmas.

To me, Christmas is all about celebrating Christ’s life with all of the people I love and serving others just as Christ did. However, with my brother Josh in Argentina for his two-year mission for our church, my family and I are creating new ways to celebrate Christmas while being miles apart.

Letters from America to Argentina can take months before actually arriving to their destination. Packages take even longer, and Argentina shipping is dangerous and untrustworthy. The mail carriers and shipping places in Argentina go through all of the mail that comes through and steal anything that they see as useful or valuable because of the bad economy there. If my family wanted to send him any packages for Christmas, we would have had to send it before the end of November. So instead, we are simply sending Josh some Christmas themed letters while we impatiently await the Skype call we get with him on Christmas day.

On the other hand, Josh is over in Argentina, waking up early and working hard every day to serve others and spread joy throughout their lives. He emails us once a week, and although the emails are short, they’re motivational and still caring. He misses home, but that doesn’t stop him from giving his all and enjoying every moment in Argentina. Just like he told me, “If it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.”

I miss him lots and I know Christmas won’t be the same without him, and yet, I’m okay with that. After all, he’s over in Argentina serving others and living the true spirit of Christmas every day. Just like Abraham Lincoln said, “When I do good, I feel good,” and that’s what Christmas should be all about. So, even though my best friend and partner in crime is miles away, I’m still just as excited and happy about the coming of Christmas. I know he’s dedicating himself towards doing good things and loving others, and that’s what Christmas spirit really is to me.