With all the presents and decorations associated with the holiday season, it’s easy to lose the true meaning of Christmas. As an adult, you may be able to resist getting sucked into the superficial things surrounding Christmas, but for a child, this is harder. For any child, the sparkling lights and bright colors of toys can be distracting. But the true meaning of Christmas is to give to others out of appreciation and remembrance of the greatest gift that was given to us. Here are a few tips on how to convey this message to your children.
1 ) Be Animated
Just like the bright colors of toys and decorations can catch the attention of children, you’ll need to animate the story of Jesus’ birth so it’ll hold the attention of a small child. Treating this opportunity as a story time could be fun for your child. As a family, you could act out the birth of Jesus. You children can play the part of Mary, Joseph, or even one of the wise men. If your child is artistic, drawing a picture with them to tell the story could be beneficial.
2 ) Be Intentional
When explaining Christmas to your children, it’s important to be intentional. Focus on the moral that you want your children to take away from the story. Talk specifically about who Jesus is and how He came to the earth. Be sure to include the importance of celebrating His birth during the Christmas season.
3 ) Be Truthful
If, after you’ve explained the meaning of Christmas to your children, they ask, “So where does Santa fit in all this?” you have a few ways you can answer this question. If you don’t want to discourage them from believing in Santa, try explaining that Santa is seperate from the true meaning of Christmas. If you’re struggling to answer, you may have to softly tell your kids the truth about Santa. They may be disappointed at first, but they can become excited about the gift God gave the world on Christmas.
Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home
In appreciation for the gift we were given, the Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home gives children in our care a family environment. We hope that you take this time to give back as God gave Jesus to the world. Contact us for more information on our home. Merry Christmas!