We were driving Saturday evening. The roads were closed/rerouted due to an event to kick off the Christmas season. We noticed some people driving unintentional and as if they were distracted. Upon passing some of these ‘unintentional’ drivers, most of them were on the phone. Yes holding phone and eyes NOT on the road. I believe that’s against the law AND it’s dangerous. Some pedestrians were probably excited from the event (Santa and his reindeer had made an appearance). We saw kids and adults running into the road between cars. It was a miracle there were no injuries or fatalities on this crowded and celebratory evening to welcome the Christmas season in.
My observation is that, this has all gotten so commercial and overdone and it seems to me as if at times, people forget “The Reason for the Season.”As our kids were growing up, I tried to NOT get wrapped up in the business of it all so that we forgot why we celebrated. No, it’s not about the gifts under the tree, but rather about the gift of Jesus coming to the world to bring salvation for those who believe. At times, easier said than done-the keeping the meaning of Christmas in the forefront.
So what would you like your kids to get out of this season? If you want them to experience the true meaning of Christmas, LIVE it. Put your manger / nativity scene in a prominent place where everyone sees it everyday. Read the nativity story through out December. Children even as young as toddlers can be read board books that tell the story. Attend worship regularly, but especially in December. If your kids are teenagers, explain how difficult Mary’s life could be have been during biblical times to have had to explain her pregnancy and what a commitment it was for Joseph to marry her. Set the stage of what was going on at the time in history.
Kids and teenagers are naturally self centered and the Christmas season can bring that out even more with the focus of gifts and ‘over the top’ expectations. Lower the temperature. Maybe you give the gift of an experience. This is easier as kids get older. Maybe a family vacation to spend time together doing something you all enjoy. Explain to your kids that there are some people who over spend at Christmas and that they end up taking months to pay it off. Teaching kids how to shop for coupon codes and bargains is something that will serve them well their entire life. I remember talking to the parents of three teenage/college students. They gave their kids a dollar amount that they would spend on each child and they were disappointed that one of their kids wanted an over the top expensive designer belt that used up his entire amount (for some reason $400 comes to mind and that was at least 15 years ago). That’s a lot to think about; what prompts a kids to want or know about a belt that expensive?, What teenager needs a belt that expensive (I just bought a nice belt from American Eagle at the mall for $40)? What if they loose it? That’s just a poor steward of money. Hum.
For kids to think of others in need is a good way to counter the “me-ism.” Maybe your Church has a program to collect mittens, coats or other items for those who need them. Do some checking and find a way to get your kids ‘doing’ for someone else. if they can hear the story of what a family might be going through, they may learn that any one of us could be in a tough situation. A death in the family or a tragic car accident that leaves a parent unable to provide for their family. We all hope that life is predictable and manageable, but the unexpected can happen to any of us. It’s easy to give of our time and talents and it can help others. They byproduct of a kind gesture is that it is one of the best feelings in the world. It IS so much better to give Than to receive. At different times in our lives we are able to help more than others.
It is up to us as parents to teach these lessons to our kids. it’s not hard to have a conversation in the car, at the dinner table or while we are doing our everyday tasks around the house. A few phone calls or checking the church website to find opportunities to help others doesn’t take that much time and the effort and lessons that can be taught are lessons for a life time. If your kids are older, maybe this is a family task they can take part in finding. Or maybe there is someone in your neighborhood/community who has recently experienced hard times or a loss. Consider inviting them over for dinner or over for an evening of making cookies and fellowship. Just as you would be intentional about a list of Christmas gifts or your December ‘To Do List’, come up with an objective or two to teach your child this season…It may lead to some Great Days for those they reach and themselves 🍎
