Life is precious and January 22 celebrates that in two ways. It is both Celebration of Life Day and National Sanctity of Human Life Day.

Celebration of Life Day is designed to honor children who bring joy to people’s lives. That means YOU! Even though you are almost a grown-up, there are full-fledged grown-ups who find joy in your existence and this is the day for them to acknowledge that.

Every child is a gift, and every life is to be held with highest respect a dignity. Celebration of Life Day can be celebrated by spending time with the adults who have given so much to you. Create great moments by having a family movie night, putting together a puzzle as a family or join your parents or grandparents in preparing a meal. Give them the opportunity to celebrate you by giving them the gift of time.

National Sanctity of Human Life Day also recognizes the value of human life. This day celebrates human life from the moment of conception and can be celebrated by every living person.

For National Sanctity of Human Life Day, some churches host prayer vigils on the Sunday prior to the official day. This year, that Sunday is January 17. Some churches sponsor collections for newborns and new moms.

President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed in 1984 that National Sanctity of Human Life Day be observed on Sunday, January 22. Since 1984, the President of the United States has made a proclamation of this day.

Those who want to support National Sanctity of Human Life Day can make donations to places like Alpha Clinics (https://www.supportalphaclinics.org/), an organization that helps women with unplanned pregnancies.