New York Times bestselling author Jason Wright recently spoke to Seattle area Latter-day Saints about the true meaning of Christmas.

During a fireside Friday, Oct. 23, at the Bellevue South Stake Center in Bellevue, Wash., Wright shared the story of The Christmas Jar, a movement his family started in 2005 with a single jar for a family in need.

The idea is to fill a jar with spare change and then give it anonymously to someone in need at Christmas. What began as an experiment by Wright's family ultimately turned into a national "pay it forward" movement of giving.



Wright said he started his family's first Christmas Jar to not only teach his children about the true meaning of Christmas, but to remind himself what the season is all about.

"I grew up in a household of people who really understood what charity and meaning of Christmas was all about," Wright said after the speech. "For some reason I was a slow learner and really didn't get it until I had kids. The Christmas Jar was not just for my kids, but also to remind myself that Christmas is about the needs of others."

Wright then brought the Christmas Jar to the world. His first book, Christmas Jars, prompted folks all over the country to save their change and help someone with an anonymous jar. Wright continues sending the Christmas Jar message across the world with the new release of Christmas Jars Reunion, and a children's picture book, Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle.

Calvin Wheeler, of the Dolloff Lake Ward, Federal Way Washington Stake, said what touched him the most about the Christmas Jar story was that "the whole family was equally united in their desires to give unselfishly."

"I was most impressed to learn that people besides myself feel such a love for their fellow humans that helping takes priority above doing things for themselves," Wheeler said. "That is the way Jesus was."

Micki Sue Thompson DeWalt said anyone can relate, with gladness, to the Christmas Jar's message of sharing. "(Jason) inspired me to try to be more like the Savior. I will look a little harder for ways to share what I have, quietly and unrecognized. As days of winter are upon us, and economic times are difficult for so many, there are limitless opportunities."

Wright also spoke to nearly 50 University of Washington students at the LDS institute of religion Friday, Oct. 24 about pursuing their dreams. He counseled students to never give up on their dreams even if they cannot make them come true right away.

"I thought it was a very appropriate topic for the audience," said Nancy Acree, one of the forum attendees.

Wright had a successful business, as a lobbyist and political consultant until his wife told him he only liked his career instead of loved it.

Since the third grade, Wright said he aspired to become a writer. After his wife's observation, they worked together to find a way to make writing a full time career.

After many agents and let downs, Wright came to Deseret Book Company with his first novel, then in only manuscript form, Christmas Jars. Deseret Book published it and in turn, it became a New York Times bestseller. Another bestseller followed, The Wednesday Letters.

Wright said he viewed writing and talking about his books as a missionary tool.

"He didn't want to hide his church membership. He told us that he begins every speaking opportunity by telling his audience he is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," Acree said.

Wright is traveling the country promoting Christmas Jars Reunion and Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle.

Wright will continue his tour through Ohio, Indiana, Utah and other states throughout the country. For more information, visit ChristmasJarsReunion.com.