'19 Kids & Counting' Duggar Family Celebrates Christmas by Throwing a Birthday Party for Jesus Instead of Unwrapping Presents, Decorating a Tree
The Duggar family has a rather unique way of celebrating Christmas: instead of focusing on gifts or decorations, the family throws a birthday party for Jesus.
"The true spirit and true meaning of Christmas is really what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done for us," eldest son, Josh, told People magazine. "People ask, 'Why don't the Duggars have a big massive Christmas tree?'"
Duggar matriarch Michelle replied: "Well, we celebrate Jesus' birthday. So we have a big Happy Birthday Jesus banner and we really try to focus on the real meaning of Christmas."
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The family with 19 kids, three in-laws, and three grandchildren and two on the way, all gather together to celebrate the holiday. There is plenty of food, singing, and even musical performances by the children, who play the violin and piano. It's a grand time for the famous family that is the focus of TLC's "19 Kids & Counting."
"I think the fun part about it is that we make precious memories together as a family, and just getting to sit down with all of us in the living room and having Dad read the story of the first Christmas, the Scriptures and Luke, and getting to sing 'happy birthday' to Jesus and having a special celebration, we look forward to it the whole month of December," Michelle added.
The family helps others throughout the season, and traveled to El Salvador for a mission trip. They also send out Christmas cards, and donate baskets of candy, fruit, tissues and Bibles to several groups.
This was the first year, though, that Jill and Jessa spent time with their in-laws on Christmas. Jill, who married Derick Dillard, spent the holiday with her husband's family. The couple is expecting their first child, a son, in the spring. "Great time with the Dillard relatives on Christmas Eve!" Jill captioned a photo on Instagram that showed her growing baby bump in addition to her in-laws.
