“Friends, family, holiday cheer, everyone coming together and toys for the kids.”

— Chip Halderman, landscape designer, Lawrence

“Family. I haven't seen mine since July and this is the only time I can go see them.”

— Megan Sabby, Kansas University sophomore, Moorhead, Minn.

“To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the salvation of humanity”

— Stuart Squires, Catholic University of America Ph.D. student, Lawrence

“Christmas is my birthday, so that's usually what it means to me.”

— Nicolette Ross, chemist, Chicago