Creating family traditions makes Christmas a special time for children and sharing their joy helps parents overcome their Yuletide yawns. It's the same adult moan every year - Christmas has lost its meaning and is now just a celebration of consumerism. But you'll never hear such cynicism from kids – for them it's the best and most magical time of the year. True, they're on school holidays, mum and dad are hanging around and they know they'll probably get a present or two – but a child's love of Christmas goes a lot deeper than materialism. This tradition, regardless of religion, is one of the more important foundations of a child's life. This is not just a personal celebration. Kids feel part of something larger in which they can connect to the community, their friends and, depending on their family, a sense of spirituality.
Rituals like Christmas act as anchors for kids and give them a sense of belonging and safety. Rituals give structure and order to our lives. Kids remember rituals that provide comfort and connection more than fancy presents or events. For many families it's possible the Christian story associated with this time of the year is not an important part of their festive season. But the spirit of Christmas is to be found not just in the religious message.
I think Christmas is a built-in pause button in the increasingly busy lives of families. It creates an opportunity for relationships to be celebrated. It connects children with a broader sense of purpose. It also reinforces ideas about sharing. The magic of Christmas, particularly for kids, transcends all religious differences. No matter what religion or culture you come from, watching the lighting of the tree in New York's Rockefeller Center or our equivalent in India is an awesome experience. Children from all countries delight in meeting Santa Claus. Listening to Christmas carols gladdens the hearts of millions. I think it gives kids and adults a wider respect for other cultures if they understand the religious and pagan background of Christmas.
The pervasive cynicism of Christmas seems to disappear once adults become mums and dads, replaced by family traditions and rituals. Christmas is so much more exciting when you become a parent. Suddenly every tradition and every gift you buy becomes meaningful, at this time of the year the Kid-Spot forums go crazy with mothers swapping recipes, family traditions, gift ideas and craft and decorating tips. Kids love Christmas more than their own birthday. This time of year is truly one of parenting's great treasure moments.
What about the day when your bundle of joy comes home distraught at the suggestion that Santa may not be real? Just say to your child, 'As long as you believe in Santa, then Santa is real.' Parents shouldn't worry that building up a whole Santa story isn't real – it's a wonderful story that creates a magic in kids' lives.
A family "Tree of Wishes" is also a favorite Christmas ritual. Each family member can have at least two ornaments they can personalize: one representing a personal wish and the other a more selfless hope we can write a message or draw on the ornaments, or paste a picture. We can talk about the wishes and dreams as a family.
Merry Christmas!
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| Luke 1:76-78“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” |
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