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