How to Teach Kids the Meaning of Christmas

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Christmas has come to be a time that many people dread because of the crowds and over-commercialism. Teach children early that Christmas has other meanings besides getting presents.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1
Limit gift buying. Buy one gift per child.
Step2
Buy religious gifts for Christmas if you are raising your children in a specific religious tradition. It will help them associate the holiday with religion rather than Santa.
Step3
Volunteer as a family. Spend a day or an afternoon doing something to help those in need. It will give children a different perspective on things.
Step4
Encourage and help children to make their own presents. Teach them that it's the thought and not the amount of money you spend that makes a gift special.
Step5
Give a family donation to a worthy Christmas-related cause, such as Christmas Seals.
Step6
Spend time doing activities together. Make ornaments, go caroling, read Christmas stories or watch Christmas movies.
Step7
Encourage children to take part in Christmas drives at school. Help them collect items for donation.
Step8
Set an example. Engage in charitable acts and your children will follow suit.

Tips & Warnings

  • Your behavior is important. Children imitate adults, so if you have the right Christmas spirit, they will too.

Comments

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nei-g420 said

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on 7/31/2007 My mom told me right off the bat, "listen, there is no Santa or Easter Bunny, I bought you that stuff" She said she couldn't lie to me. I love my Ma.

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on 12/6/2006 I was JUST about to write an article like this. If you are going to celebrate a holiday, celebrate it right. Christmas is way too commercialized. We are way off track.

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eHow Article:  How to Teach Kids the Meaning of Christmas

eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

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