The Real Meaning of Christmas

It's hard not to be captivated by gifts and glitter this time of year. Amid the toys and trimmings, how can you teach your child the true meaning of Christmas?

1. Start a family tradition of reading the story of Jesus' birth. You'll find the account in the second chapter of the book of Luke in the Bible. Even younger children will understand much of the story, and their questions can lead to family conversations about the deeper meaning of Christmas.
2. Listen to and sing Christmas music that focuses on the reason for the season. Kids will never tire of "Jingle Bells" or "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and songs about Santa are part of the holiday fun. But the simple melodies of "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night" and the exuberance of "Joy to the World" will have your children singing about the Christ child and the impact of his birth. Make these songs part of a family sing-along for a tradition your children will remember all their lives. Or try the Cedarmont Kids' albums Christmas Favorites and Christmas Carols.
3. Involve your kids in displaying a Nativity scene. If you're nervous about exposing your heirloom Nativity to little hands, check out Fisher Price's Little People Deluxe Christmas Story. Consider combining this tradition with reading the Christmas story, having your children place each figure in the scene at the appropriate point in the story.
4. Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day. The Wick family from Fort Collins, Colorado, gives Saint Nicholas Day gifts and leaves Santa out of Christmas Day to make a distinction between Santa Claus and the celebration of Christ's birth. Observed on December 6 in countries around the world, Saint Nicholas Day features a kindly old man who comes in the night to leave gifts in children's shoes. Miki Wick, a stay-at-home mom, suggests telling children the true story of Saint Nicholas and how he became associated with Christmas. You'll find this information on the St. Nicholas Center website.
5. Light the candles of an Advent wreath during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Advent literally means "coming" and is observed in many churches in anticipation of Jesus' birth. The wreath includes four candles - usually three purple and one pink - that are lit in sequence throughout the Advent period. The first week, light one purple candle. The second week, light two. The third week, light two purple candles and the pink candle. The final week before Christmas, light all four candles. Light the candles as a family, and incorporate a song like "O Come, O Come Immanuel" or a reading from a devotional such as Let Every Heart: A Family Devotional for the Advent Season.
6. Attend a Christmas pageant or concert at an area church. Your holiday viewing is sure to include classics like Frosty the Snowman and A Christmas Story. Consider adding a live performance that emphasizes the spiritual significance of Christmas. Some churches encourage you to use onsite childcare for preschool-aged children, so check ahead to find a program that will keep your kids' attention.

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