Some Lessons To Teach Kids About Christmas
It’s important to teach kids about the real meaning of Christmas – especially this year. With all that is happening in the world and a lack of connection, here are some lessons to teach kids about Christmas.
It’s my favorite time of the year – Christmas! A time of kindness, promises, and sharing. Or is it?
For kids, Christmas is synonymous with Santa, presents, and Christmas trees. They have a superficial understanding of this season, much like everyone around them.
So, when my kids asked about our Christmas plans I knew I had a great teaching opportunity at hand. It was time to teach my kids about the real meaning of Christmas.
After a few hours of racking my brain, inspiration struck. Here are my simple lessons to teach kids about the real meaning of Christmas.
It’s Important That Kids Know The Real Meaning Of Christmas
We all know Christmas as a time of celebration for Christians to celebrate the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ. However, some might debate its origin as a pagan day celebration of sun worship.
Either way, Christmas is a festive season. Celebrated with much pomp and ceremony, the opening of the Christmas markets and holiday attractions like the festive wonderland known as Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami.
As I walk around my neighborhood, I see evidence of the Christmas spirit at work. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree, wreaths adorning each door, and a bright star to dispel the darkness.
But what do these traditions signify? How did they come about? Read on to find out!
Lessons We Need To Teach Kids About Christmas
Santa – A Symbol Of Generosity And Goodwill
Let’s start with the mascot of Christmas, Mr. Santa Claus himself to teach kids the real meaning of Christmas.
There is no mention of Santa in the Bible. The origin of Santa Claus can be traced back to the legend of Saint Nicholas. A monk famed for his acts of kindness and generosity.
Biblically, we have the inn-keeper whose kind act set the stage for the birth of the little savior.
We need more of such people in our world. Kind, generous individuals who are willing to help others in need.
In fact, we are in dire need of such helping hands right now. Hands that can uplift, support and heal instead of causing harm to others.
Teach kids about the real meaning of Christmas – to be kind and generous.
Encourage them to do :
- Random acts of kindness for others, each day.
- Say positive comments to uplift another.
Gifts – A Symbol Of Promises
Moving on to our favorite tradition, the joy of giving and receiving gifts!
Nothing beats Christmas mornings! The joy on little faces when ripping apart carefully wrapped gifts is a sight to behold. But, are only material gifts valuable?
The tradition of giving gifts was initiated by the Magi. They gifted gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus when they visited him in the manger.
In fact, Jesus himself is the greatest gift God could give us. He is a fulfillment of God’s promise to us, a promise of deliverance.
Encourage your child to uphold promises as lessons to teach kids about Christmas. A promise is a sign of someone’s trust in you and upholding it indicates your integrity. Upholding promises given and received will teach kids about the real meaning of Christmas.
We must also show our kids to value gifts and appreciate them irrespective of size or cost. They need to understand that it is the thought behind the gift that is more valuable than the gift itself.
The Christmas Tree – A Symbol Of Hope And Resilience
Decorating the Christmas tree has always been an undisputed family tradition of Christmas.
Do you know how it came about? How can a tree be part of lessons to teach kids about Christmas.
The fir tree, which remains green all year, is a sign of the everlasting hope of mankind. It reminds us to believe in each other and trust our prayers will always be heard by a higher power!
It is also a sign of resilience. This trait is something most kids have little of, presently. Very few kids are able to withstand the heavy gales of life and the stresses that go with it.
Empower your child to grow strong and tall like the Christmas tree. Teach kids about the real meaning of Christmas and be resilient in the face of all challenges. Nurture them to be rooted in love, goodness, hope and strength.
A Bright Star – Symbol Of Light
As per the Bible, a star guides the shepherds and three kings to baby Jesus lying in the manger. It signifies the path we must take in our lives and is a sign of light triumphing over darkness.
Like in the story, the star lights the path we should take in our lives. It symbolizes hope in a time of darkness so is a vital lesson to teach kids about Christmas.
Encourage your child to grow as bright as the stars, shining love, respect, and tolerance. This will help dispel the darkness caused by hatred and bigotry.
Let your child grow to be like the stars, guiding others onto the path of love, forgiveness, and acceptance.
The Candy Cane – Symbolizes Protection
The candy cane represents a shepherd’s staff. The staff’s crook is used to rescue any sheep which stray from the flock.
Theologically, this represents God’s protection over us. He never gives up on us even when we turn our backs on Him. He sets the perfect example for parenthood and teaches kids about the real meaning of Christmas.
Let the candy cane remind you to keep your little ones safe, both physically and emotionally. Use this Christmas season to reconnect and revive relationships that may have lapsed.
Christmas is a time to forgive and forget, and is the perfect lesson to teach kids this Christmas.
Wreath – A Symbol Of Life
A wreath has no beginning or end and symbolizes everlasting life. It also shows God’s never-ending love for us.
This is the love we should try to emulate in our lives – of all people. A love we need to instill within our kids. It is unconditional with no boundaries and does not judge.
This year, teach your kids the real meaning of Christmas and show them, unconditional love.
Invest in your relationship with them so they can grow up secure and confident in your love.
We Need To Teach Kids About The Real Meaning Of Christmas
This Christmas, work some magic and shine light into your child’s life by teaching kids about the real meaning of Christmas. Let’s not be so caught up in the glitz of this wonderful season that we forget to share its true meaning with them.
As you set out to decorate your home and hearth, use these lessons to teach kids about Christmas. Explain the significance of each and every item and where the tradition has come from.
Make this Christmas season more meaningful for your kids and celebrate the true traditions. As the year ends, we all could do with some love, hope, light, protection, promise, and generosity.
Have A Wonderful Christmas From All At Famous Parenting!
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
