It seems there is a growing division among Christian households- those who allow their children to believe in Santa Claus, and those who don't. Those who do tell their children Santa Claus isn't real state that it is so they can have a more Christ-centered Christmas. I think that is a great idea. Certainly the Savior's birth is the reason- obviously there would be no Christmas if it weren't for that. However, I don't think it has to be so black and white. I think that there is a way to encompass all things Christmas while still teaching your children the true "reason for the season".
In our house, we have made it a point to teach our kids that first and foremost the reason we celebrate Christmas is because of our Savior's birth. We spend time reading the scriptures, talking about how uncomfortable Mary must have been riding a donkey while pregnant, how different it would have been to have a baby in a manger with all kinds of stinky animals around, rather than in a (relatively) comfortable hospital. We play with the nativity set and talk about each piece. There is no doubt that my 4 yr old understands why we celebrate Christmas (my 20 month old might not (yet), but that is just age, not for lack of us trying).
All of the other stuff- visiting Santa Claus, giving presents, making gingerbread houses, Elf on the Shelf, etc.- I find to be fantastic ways to spend time and make memories together as a family. Some of my fondest memories growing up are centered around Christmas. Like the year we opened TJ Cinnamon's. We all had money because we all had been working, and we all spent all of our money getting each other the best gifts. It wasn't about having expensive things, we just really wanted to see each other happy. Selflessness and wanting to make people happy- what wonderful, Christ-like attributes!
I love watching my girls get excited every morning when they find Buddy (our Elf on the Shelf) in a new spot. I love sitting around the table decorating gingerbread houses, cookies, and handmade ornaments. I LOVE watching my kids open presents on Christmas morning. Taking the girls on the North Pole Express had absolutely nothing to do with Jesus, but it was a wonderful way to spend the evening together as a family.
Does participating in these activities mean we are less Christian or spiritual than others? You can think that if you want. However I know in my heart that my family knows why we have Christmas. We also know how to make traditions and have a good time together, as a family.
4 comments:
Amen!
It's so true. I love the Christmas traditions and wouldnnever give them up. I also love that many of those traditions are Christ centered.
Wish we could spend some Christmas with you guys like last year. Miss you.
So true! WE grew up with always, John reading in the scriptures about the Savior's birth, etc... before we opened any gifts. I think Christmas is a time of celebration, celebrating the birth of our Savior, and our families.. The Christmas Trees and all that come with the HOliday Season are fun, they honestly bring families together, and light up a little child's face. Ava picked lots of toys to donate to Goodwill, which I think is something we will do every year this time of the year... there is nothing wrong with some magical fun too... For me I love Christmas for family get togethers, the memories we share... also Christmas is wonderful to start FAMILY traditions of our own, afterall family is the most important thing, and I think this particular Holiday really does bring people closer together, if we let it.
That's funny that you mentioned TJ's. I had to talk in church yesterday about Christmas and I told the story of John Larsen coming to our house on Christmas Eve (the year we opened) and he brought us the sacrament. I think it was the most spiritual Christmas I can remember.
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