"Christmas is a time for God and family," she said.
Judie Jones said celebrating the Savior's birth runs much deeper than presents and all the commercialization that seems to have overtaken the season for so many people.
"It's trusting God every day to bring the one you love home safely. It's the anticipation of the birth of Jesus and it's wondering what new things you will experience in the coming year through his divine grace."
Over the years, the Joneses have tried to instill a sense of self-sacrifice and service in their seven children and 22 grandchildren by adopting a family for the holiday to buy gifts for, or sending financial support to someone in need.
"We try not to take anything for granted," Dick said. "We are so blessed."
He is reminded of his blessings when he thinks back to the times the ship was docked in the Philippines and he was on duty in the mess hall.
"We had BBQ ribs one night and after the guys had scraped their plates into the metal cans I took them out to the dumpster on the dock. The locals who were lucky enough to work on base came over and started picking through the dumpster looking for ribs to take home to their families. I'll never forget that," he said.
Things like that, the Joneses said, keep them humble, prayerful and grateful, especially during the holidays.
"There are years I don't even put up a big Christmas tree," Judie said. "But I always bring out my little Christmas tree, Advent wreath and Nativity set."
Printed with permission from the Catholic Voice, newspaper for the Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb.