Are your kids going nuts about Christmas?
-
Luke 2
Close
Tempers, oh no – it broke
While Christmas brings a lot of joy, it can also bring a lot of frustration – especially when there’s that one thing all the kids fight over. Maybe it’s to put on a special Christmas ornament. One Mom wrote to me saying a special Christmas ornament was broken because one of their kids got angry at a brother, threw a pillow and hit the Christmas tree. If it’s an heirloom, it can ruin your festive spirit not just this year, but years to come. Remember, it’s not something you can take with you. Use it as to teach your kids that our actions have consequences. Sin has consequences. As believers, yes, it’s already been forgiven – but God can use our sin to draw us closer to Him.
Keeping Christ in Christmas
In a culture where Christians are marginalized and mocked for believing in the miracle of Salvation through Christ alone, it’s sometimes difficult to remember to keep our families focused on Jesus at Christmas. How do you do it? I’d love to hear your ideas. Share them at ParentMinute.org. For the Yoder clan, it’s starts at the Christmas tree. The top of the tree is dedicated to focusing on the Christmas story. Angels told the world of Jesus’ birth. Manger scenes and characters of that first Christmas top our tree. A nail near the trunk of the tree reminds us Jesus came to die for our sins. Then, reading sections of the Christmas story each Sunday during Advent. Make it a tradition in your family. It’ll be something they’ll never forget.
Is Santa real, or not?
Tradition. It’s what makes the Christmas season for a lot of people. There are Christians and non-Christians alike who talk about Santa Claus. I’m NOT here to tell you it’s right or wrong to believe in Santa Claus. Frankly, That’s up to you. But, I will take a stand and say whatever your thoughts on Santa Claus if you reject the Christ of Christmas you really can’t celebrate Christmas. Many parents have been asking me emphatically to make sure that I stress Christ is the reason for the season. The question is what are we doing to keep Christ alive in a culture that denies Christ. I saw a post the other day from an atheist that said, “Make Christmas great again – skip church.” Seriously? Without Christ, there is no Christmas.
I didn’t get as much as he did
Christmas. It brings out the best and the worst of our kids. I remember a Christmas when we told our kids we weren’t going to do presents anymore if they couldn’t be thankful for what they got. Then, to our surprise our middle daughter came to us one Christmas and said, “Whatever it is you spend on me for Christmas, can we buy gifts for kids in need?” We were floored. So, we did. My wife and daughter went shopping and bought toys, clothes and things any kid her age would want. Did our daughter go without that Christmas – nope. But, it taught us a lesson. We need to do more for others. Out of the mouths of babes we can learn a bunch.
This isn’t a good time of year for some.
You’ve heard the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” right? It’s true for some, but not for others—especially for those divorced or for some foster parents. It can be terribly lonely. As a stepparent, it was the most difficult time of year for my wife and me. We had to share the holiday. One year we’d have Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, and the next we’d have just the last part of Christmas Day. You can’t imagine the stress on the kids, through no fault of their own. If you’re a stepparent, remember, you’re stronger than your kids. Make it as positive as you can. Cherish the time you DO have and make the every-other-year traditions ones that they’ll remember. If you’re not a stepparent, pray for families who are. They need it.
I don’t want to sing in the Christmas program!
I’ve seen a lot of church Christmas programs. There always seems to be one or two kids who either HATE being in front of people, or they’re so exuberant they can’t contain themselves. These moments are VERY entertaining for those of us watching, but it can be a bit traumatic for you, or more importantly, our kids who (sometimes) become the focus of videos on Facebook. How should we handle this? First, talk to our kids about why they’re doing this. You and I can tell our kids that they’re leading our church in worship. While that might make them nervous, remind them they’re not alone. And, if they DO end up on Facebook, ask your child if it’s okay. If not, ask your friend to remove it.
It always looks better on TV.
I remember when I was a kid. Really, I do. I would see commercials on TV featuring the coolest-looking toys. They made everything look amazing. We’ve all been there. We’ve seen a commercial about a product that pricked our interest, but when we actually got it, it was NOTHING like what we saw or even imagined. Mom and Dad, it’s important that you and I make sure our kids understand this. But it’s also important that we reinforce that Christmas isn’t about getting things. It’s about the amazing gift God gave us: the gift of His Son, Jesus—Immanuel, God with us. Is it wrong to get toys and other gifts for our kids at Christmas? I’m not here to make that decision for you, but don’t let the gifts get in the way of why we celebrate.
Keeping Christ in Christmas can be a challenge.
How do we do that? Sometimes it’s frustrating, isn’t it? Even as adults we get so busy planning, shopping, and going to Christmas parties that we lose focus on the most important thing: Christ. What do we do? Well, our family is far from perfect, but we do everything we can to point to Jesus during the season. It even starts with our Christmas tree. As we put up the lights, we remind each other that Jesus is the light of the world. We never decorate our tree without first hanging a nail near the trunk of the tree. The tree, for our family, represents the cross that Jesus Christ was born to die on. If you don’t have any family traditions pointing you to Christ this Christmas, start some. You’ll be glad you did.
Being thankful—even AFTER Thanksgiving
If you have little ones, you know how embarrassing it can be. They usually say exactly with they’re thinking. In a culture where everyone’s talking about what they’re going to get for Christmas, many kids are only thinking about one thing: presents. As parents, you and I have got to train our kids on the proper response to receiving gifts—even the ones they may not like. For boys, we’ve got to make sure they’re as thankful for the clothes they receive as they are the toys. How? Practice. As your kids open their gifts at home this year, coach them through how to say kind and thankful words that are edifying to the giver no matter what they receive. Then, quote 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
Christmas traditions make fun families
I LOVE Christmas. Yes, I know it’s about the birth of Christ. That is SO important. We can’t lose sight of it. But, I also LOVE the family traditions that come with it. Our family traditions? Hunting down a REAL Christmas tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Stringing popcorn. Making hard candy. The Christmas movie marathon on Christmas Eve, which includes It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas. And, reading the Christmas story. Mom and Dad, a lot can get in the way of a merry Christmas. Death, sickness, divorce—you name it. But, do everything possible to keep the joy alive. No, we’re not always happy, but there’s ALWAYS joy in Jesus whether you’re missing somebody or not. Our kids need to see it.