My Christmas Memoir

By Muana Khuptong

My earliest Christmas memory traces back to the late eighties when I was just a little boy. I was born in Haiciin Village, but my memories of Christmas there are faint. We moved to Lungchin Village when I was almost six years old, and it was during this transition that some of my most vivid memories began to form. One unforgettable moment happened as we approached Lungchin—I saw a moving vehicle for the first time. Petrified, I cried in fear, thinking that the car might hit me from a far. Vehicles were a rarity in our remote village, so their presence was both fascinating and overwhelming.

The year our family moved to Lungchin, the Paite National Council held a conference in Lungchin in 1986. Leaders traveled from Lamka to Lungchin, and a jeepable road had been constructed from New Suangdoh to the village. That was all we got. Vehicles of all sizes moved along the Guite Road, from Singzawl to Lamka. As children, we were captivated by these rare sights. Whenever a jeep or any vehicle arrived in our village, we—and often some adults—would rush toward it, eager to see it up close. No one in our village owned a vehicle back then, which made these moments especially thrilling.

Christmas Celebrations in Lungchin

Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were the most exciting times of the year. The highlight for many was the feast—a rare opportunity to have meat for dinner. Every household in our church (then called the Evangelical Convention Church, now known as the Evangelical Baptist Convention) contributed money to buy cows or pigs for the Christmas feast. For most of us, eating meat was a luxury, so these communal meals felt truly special.

Another cherished tradition was receiving new clothes for Christmas. However, not every family could afford this yearly custom. My parents, with five children to provide for, struggled financially and couldn’t always buy new outfits for all of us. On the rare occasions when we did get new clothes, we were so thrilled that we could hardly sleep the night before, eagerly anticipating the moment we could wear them.

Balloons also made Christmas magical. They adorned the walls of our church, adding a festive touch to the simple decorations. Although not extravagant, these decorations filled us with joy and made us want to attend church every day. The highlight of the season, however, was the nativity play performed by the church’s youth group. Watching the story of Jesus’ birth unfold on stage filled my young heart with awe and wonder. It was during these performances that I first fell in love with my Savior.

The Spiritual Impact of Christmas Plays

The nativity play wasn’t just entertainment; it was a profound moment of learning and faith. Seeing the youth group act out the story of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection helped me understand the significance of these events. During Good Friday and Easter Sunday, similar plays portrayed Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. These performances were instrumental in strengthening my faith. They brought the gospel to life in ways that sermons alone couldn’t.

Even as a child growing up in a Christian family, my faith wasn’t particularly strong. These plays and celebrations served as a foundation for my spiritual growth. They reminded me of the incredible love of God, who sent His only Son to be born as a human and to die on the cross so that we might have eternal life. Reflecting on those childhood memories, I’ve come to realize how important it is to take such occasions seriously. For some children, these celebrations might be their only exposure to the gospel. Even those of us raised in Christian homes often need these reminders to deepen our faith.

A Gratitude-Filled Reflection

Today, when I think about those childhood Christmases, I feel immense gratitude. I’m thankful for the simple joys—the balloons, the new clothes, the communal feasts—and for the deeper spiritual lessons they imparted. Above all, I thank God for His indescribable gift: the birth of His Son, who brought light and hope to the world. These memories are a treasure, reminding me of the love and grace that define the true meaning of Christmas.