Whether you realize it or not from your “Baby’s First Christmas” they are actually being taught and shown your vision of the  meaning of Christmas and also how they should celebrate.

Suffice it to say, when most children think of Christmas, they think of santa, presents, yummy sweets and Christmas shows – as they should, these things are truly fun; however, you’ll want to make sure that you also teach and share with them other things that can teach them how to appreciate Christmas on a much deeper level and in turn help them develop their own holiday traditions when they grow up!

Below are a few old and new ideas for enjoying Christmas. If you have any more ideas, please comment below, we’d love to hear them.

As always and until next time:

Blessings ~ D. Linn Whorley

7 values to teach your Children about Christmas!

1. Everyone doesn’t  celebrate the same. Because of our multicultural society, children will see that not all of their friends or everyone in their class celebrates Christmas the way, and some children may not celebrate at all.
2. Teach them about Charity. Every household doe not have the money for abundant gifts. It’s good to let your child know that it’s important to give to those who are less fortunate than you are. Your child could possibly donate some of their old toys to charity to make room for the new ones they receive on Christmas Day.
3. Teach you child to be thankful for what they already have. This is a big one! It’s so easy to get caught up in the commercialized side of Christmas. You may have even noticed that your child gets upset if they don’t get what they want.  Remind your children that they will be much happier if they’re thankful for what they do have rather than upset about what don’t they have.
4. Teach them that instead of the type of gift, it is the thought that really counts. So in addition to buying gifts, it is also good to teach your child to be creative in gifting. They could make something, babysit, sing a song, bake, etc.
5. Teach them the importance of family time. Christmas is about spending time with your friends and family and using it as an occasion to let them know how much they mean to you. Being with your family isn’t about sitting in the same room staring at a box in the corner or being under the same room but everyone doing their own thing. Put down the phones, talk to each other, make memories and remember to take lots of pictures.
6. Giving and receiving gifts are not the only part of Christmas. Depending on how you celebrate it, teach your child what Christmas means to you. You can even start your own traditions by visiting relatives or even the sick.  Just make sure your children know that it’s not just about the gifts.
7. Lastly, teach your children to set goals for the upcoming new year. During holiday dinner, you can discuss the past year and the New Year. Without putting pressure on them just ask them about what they would like to do next!