| Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. We should | | | | tools necessary for a successful time. |
| take the opportunity to discuss the origins of Christmas | | | | Working with the children on the different Christmas |
| and the attitude of giving with our children. | | | | crafts and cards reinforces in their minds the |
| We should allow our children to participate in the | | | | significance of the season. |
| Christmas school plays and church school plays. | | | | The families who do not go to church can still do so |
| Over the years commercialism has drowned out the | | | | much to instill in the minds of their children the |
| true meaning of Christmas. It is up to us as parents to | | | | Christmas spirit. |
| restore Christmas back to its rightful place. | | | | Make the Christmas tree the center of the living room. |
| We can start in our own homes with our own families. | | | | Take the time to downgrade the television set. If you |
| Family togetherness, unconditional love and goodwill | | | | must, watch television only at certain times. Then turn it |
| should be the bywords of Christmas. | | | | off. Watch Christmas programs only. |
| Stories and pictures about the origins of Christmas | | | | If you are serious about resurrecting the spirit of |
| should be all around our homes. Our churches should | | | | Christmas then the focus must be on family and the |
| be taking a major role in spreading the true Christmas | | | | things that a family does together. Purchase books |
| spirit. | | | | about Christmas in other faraway countries. |
| Our church should have many small social activities | | | | Your children will gain an understanding and respect for |
| leading up to one major event that will take place very | | | | different cultures and their traditions. Christmas is not |
| close to Christmas day. | | | | just celebrated in their corner of the world. |
| All families should be required to attend. With a view to | | | | Show them that it is a world wide celebration. |
| inviting another family. The invited family should be a | | | | Set a night or two aside for a drive to see the lights. |
| family that does not attend church on a regular basis. | | | | That is always fun. |
| Make sure your children are directly involved in at least | | | | Try your level best to include grandma and grandpa in |
| one charity event over the holiday. They can donate a | | | | the family outings. Children just love when |
| toy or even help with a fundraising drive for those less | | | | grandparents tell stories of their childhood. |
| fortunate. | | | | You are building memories for your children and for |
| Try not to purchase toys that overwhelm the children. | | | | your entire family. Grandparents coming to stay at the |
| Yes, make sure the toy will make your child feel | | | | house for the holidays? Put the children in charge of |
| special. However, that can be done without overkill. Be | | | | decorating the spare bedroom for their grandparents. |
| sure to remind them of the true gift of Christmas | | | | Above all take the time to let the children know that |
| which is baby Jesus. | | | | the Christmas spirit should not be displayed only in |
| Construct as many gifts as you can with the children. | | | | December. |
| Set aside special time for this. Make a big fuss over | | | | Show them by your example as loving and caring |
| the time that is set aside. | | | | parents that the Christmas spirit of love and joy should |
| Prepare for the time and be sure that you have all the | | | | be spread throughout the year. |