Our Children and Christmas – When this Season is Over
Christmas for children – and when this season is over
When it comes to Christmas and our children, there are questions we should ask. These questions help us understand our platform in Christmas celebrations. There are also steps we must take to ensure that this season provides what is best for our children, both emotionally, culturally, and spiritually. We will want to know, when this season is over, that we did the best that we could do.
Questions to ask
- What is the most important thing you want your children to know and experience about Christmas – when this season is over? Do you want your children to think Christmas is about the gifts they get (because gifts = love, right?)! If so, bring on the gifts. If you want your children to think family is important, be sure to participate in every family event. Certainly, if you want your children to understand the true meaning of the celebration of Christmas, choose to take time to teach the true meaning of Christmas. Choose carefully how you teach them this meaning.
- How do you want your children’s experience to compare with what you had as a child? Do you want your children to experience everything you experienced in this season? Or, do you want their experience to be the opposite? Perhaps you envision a better balance than your childhood experience. List your experiences and what they meant to you. State which ones (if any) taught you what you want your children to learn about Christmas. Choose carefully your activities and the gifts you give your children. These teach them what you truly want them to gain by the time this season is over.
- When this season is over, what is the greatest takeaway you hope your children will have this year? Set your goals so that their takeaway will be what you desire. Nix the opportunities and festivities that will detract from your end goal. Add new events and opportunities that will build on your greatest desire for your children in this season.
People to involve – or not INVOLVE
Every family faces tension during this season of the year. The tension may be encountered on either side of the family or on both. We may disagree about how to celebrate Christmas, when to celebrate, or even, with whom to celebrate. Families may disagree on the amount of money that should be spent. We may find it hard to say “no” to people to whom we feel beholden. Our best laid plans can be put in disarray when we fail to stand up to those who do not support our goals for our children for Christmas.
Truth be told, if we take the time to figure out our goals, we can then figure out how to involve – or not involve – others. We can play offense instead of defense and be satisfied when this season is over. We can explain to others what we will and will not allow or tolerate when it comes to our kids and this celebration. The hard part follows: sticking to the plan.
When this season is over
At the end of the day, people are more important than things. Our ideals and values are important as well, and folks who malign against us must not be permitted to make the rules for our children. At the end of the day, do you want to know that you provided a season with your children that taught them what you value most and that aligns with what God wants you to do? You decide those values and choose the path that leads you to your end goals. You’ll be glad you did.
Photo credit: Jason Goh via pixabay.com
