Christmas

Traditions Help Make Christmas A Special and Meaningful Celebration for Kids

No matter how your family celebrates the holiday season, traditions have a special part in the appeal and magic of Christmas for children. Christmas is one of the most popular and celebrated holidays on the planet so it’s understandable that traditions will be a unique blend for each family.

There are a variety of different traditions around each family’s Christmas tree. Some families go out and get their own, perhaps in the woods or at a tree farm, or choosing one at a store or fund raiser. Others have a tree tucked carefully in a box in storage. Ornaments and other decorations may be used over and over each year, some even being passed down in families for a few generations. Part of the magic for kids are the stories about some of these ornaments and the tree. Is there a decoration that a parent made in school on your tree? We have a gingerbread man made out of a cookie and varnish craft that has a bite out if it. After all, kids know these are cookies. What would one be doing on a tree? As we decorate the tree, we tell the story of whose teeth marks are forever part of the ornament.

Different countries have gift bringers other than Santa and these traditions may be reflected in family fun. Certainly there are different favorite dishes other than turkey such as tamales, pyroghys, seven fishes, goose, meat pies, desserts such as trifles, and an amazing global selection of cookies. Candles and lights are included in Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Solstice, recognizing the diversity of families and the universal need for light, for bodies and minds. Only in some places, is snow really covering the ground. In Australia, kangaroos may be pulling the sleigh instead of reindeer. Songs and music are often family favorites too and in many languages.

These are only a few of the traditions that might be part of the celebration. The ones in your family will become the traditions for future generations. Your children will remember and blend them in new ways as families mix and mingle. What are some of the traditions in your celebration at this time of year?

The bright, colored lights on the houses and trees at Christmas are the ultimate night lights and change the dark from something scary to something magical for kids. At this time of year, there is a lot of night!

Many children are afraid of the dark and there are all sorts of lights they can use. Some devices have timers, some shine stars on ceilings and walls, and still others are tucked inside stuffed animals that light up when squeezed. During the winter, the day and night times are very different. It seems like we are getting up in the dark, and it’s dark long before bedtime. Christmas lights shine through the dark with a special glow. Kids close the doors to make rooms as dark as possible so they can see the lights!

Christmas lights vary from tiny ones on family trees to massive displays. In many towns and cities, there will be a few special places that are decorated with hundreds, or even thousands, of lights. Families often go on short adventures to see the lights in an area. Close to where we live, there is an outdoor park that transforms into a night time garden, complete with shining flowers and white swans. Some places have sound and light shows with Christmas carols and fireworks.

Children will not understand the symbolism of dark and light like adults do, but they have a deep appreciation for light. Christmas is not the only celebration of light during the holiday season. There is also Hanukkah, the Festival of Light. Adults sometimes need the reminder of having the power go out in order to be grateful for lights. The story of Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer is based on Santa’s need for light.

Lights–and dark–are a special part of what makes Christmas and the holiday season magical. Do you have lights at your house? Are there some events with lights where your family lives?

Helping and Giving to Others–Part of the Christmas Magic for Kids Young preschool children have generous and open hearts and part of the magic of the season for them is being able to help and give to others. We all like to feel good about ourselves and that includes children. One mom shared the words … Continue reading What Makes Christmas Magical for Kids? Part 4: Giving →

The Magic of the Christmas Concert for Kids One of the big events for children at this time of year is The Concert, The preparing and performing are memorable and magical–most of the time–for kids and families. Kids get to show what they can do and whatever it is, the families watching will clap and … Continue reading What Makes Christmas Magical for Kids? Part 3: Concerts →

With all the excitement over the last days–and weeks–do your kids need help to unwind? Both their bodies and brains could probably use some TLC or special activities. Yesterday’s TLC post was some quiet activities like water play, puzzles, or floor toys such as trains. Today’s is some outside time where kids can run, jump, … Continue reading Kids Need Some Post-Christmas TLC to Unwind #2 →