Life - Keller,TX

Hi C.,
It's great that you're so keen on teaching what Christmas is really about. To me, Christmas is a special time ofgiving. Children should experience the act of giving like volunteering time at a nonprofit organization such as a homeless shelter or an emergency assistance agency. The experience should be fun so that children will remember it and want to continue to the volunteer tradition. Volunteering is something you can do with kids all year round. You can tell I'm very pro-volunteering.

This is simple. You need to live the way you want your child to understand something. Actions speak a thousand times louder than words...

If you don't live life daily for Christ - it is not just going to magically happen at Christmas. We honor the spirit of Christmas when we keep Christ the center of our lives daily. It is our worship, our love for others, our faith, our prayer life, our deeds. When we live a Christ-centered life, celebrating the "true meaning" of Christmas is just a natural extension of who we are - not something we do....

You must live by example. I emphasized from my daughter's 1st birthday that no gifts are requested and that if they are brought, they will not be opened at the party. The party is a celebration of her life and a chance to celebrate with friends. And that is not material in nature.

The same can be said of Christmas, and the only way to show its' true meaning is to live it, not just during the winter months, but all year. Your family can donate or volunteer as a 'gift to each other'. Spending the time together helping others is more valuable that anything bought and wrapped up. But you must lead by example.

Adopt a needy family. Go buy the gifts with your children. Take your children with you when you deliver. Good luck and you sound like a GREAT mom!

www.mycmsite.com/marycluley

Maybe you could show your child,What the meaning of christmas is (depending on age)making christmas presents.
Crafts are a fun way for them to get the understanding its the thought that counts and bonding time.

Updated

Maybe you could show your child,What the meaning of christmas is (depending on age)making christmas presents.
Crafts are a fun way for them to get the understanding its the thought that counts and bonding time.

My husband hates ALL holidays simply for this reason. You get lost in the hustle and bustle of It's Valentines Day so I have to be romantic and buy chocolates and roses. Or It's Christmas so everyone has to buy everyone a gift and somehow it always becomes a competition.
We try to teach our kids that it's not about what you get and what you want and what Santa will bring. It is about what makes others smile by giving them something you've made or spending time with them.
This year I'm also not putting gifts under the tree till the last minute. The more they see the gifts the more they lose focus on the purpose behind it all.
Take your kids to a children's hospital or a nursing home. Agree with your kids that they can have their Santa gifts and one or two small gifts and any other money you would have spent can go to toys for an Angel tree or a soldier's kid. There are so many struggling and it would really make others feel good. Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen. Get a group of church members together and sing carols door to door or at a nursing home.

To me the way you live your daily life is more important than the way you celebrate your Holiday. Make loving and fun time for your family on Christmas and take your child to do a charitable act. You can't "make" your child feel as you do, but if you provide a loving home, are kind and loving, chances are they will want to follow that tradition.