Christmas seems to be everyone's favorite Holiday. Yet, these days, it seems to
lose some of its genuine roots of sharing, giving, loving and laughing. If you
are one of the many families who are striving to put some meaning back into your
Christmas celebrations - here are a few ideas for you.
*Put a halt to the rush of unwrapping gifts by taking the time to read the
Christmas story in the Bible first. This will slow everyone down and remind
your family of what Christmas is really all about.
*Participate in a giving tree. Take your children or grandchildren to a giving
tree and let them select a tag from a child who has Christmas wishes that need
to be met. Have your children select the gift to buy and let them wrap it and
return it to the giving tree. This will instill thankfulness and a giving heart
in your children.
*Make plans to create crafts and give them to neighbors, friends, teachers and
delivery people. You can make Christmas goodies, simple ornaments or festive
cards to share the spirit of Christmas with others.
*Have a gift basket by your front door with little presents for visitors. This
is another great way to emphasise "giving" and not "receiving".
*Have a Christmas open house on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Some people
don't have family nearby and Christmas can be a lonely time. All they need is
to know someone cares enough to maybe share their home for a few hours with
them.
These are all great ideas and examples of giving and sharing. Showing your
children that Christmas time is a time meant to be all about people and not
about material gifts.
As these traditions are established, the material gifts that do come during the
season will be more treasured and appreciated. The gifts will be filled so much
more with love. Isn't that what Christmas is truly about?
~Dionna Sanchez is the busy mom of three. She is Editor of Emphasis On Moms, a
newsletter focused on bringing meaning back to your mothering. Visit the
website at
http://www.EmphasisOnMoms.com/[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
