Starting a New Christmas Family Tradition

What is Christmas really about? What have we taught our children about Christmas and how we should celebrate this wonderful holiday? What are you and your family doing this holiday season to celebrate Christmas?

To answer that first question; I say it depends on who you are and what you believe. I don't think that Christmas has to be just about the birth of Jesus; even though I am a Christian. I think it is about giving and not expecting anything in return. I think that the spirit is what is important. The story of the Virgin Mary and the birth of Christ is very popular; but what if we took that story and instead of looking the other way when someone is in need; reached out our hands, our hearts and our minds to help them in any way that we found possible? Wouldn't that be "in the spirit of Christmas?"

I think it would and I am going to teach my children a wonderful lesson this year. Partially because of money, but also because I am tired of the "I wants"; I am going to gather my children together to participate in a charity giving event for Christmas. My children have wonderful giving hearts and I know they will love this idea. We are going to give to one family or one child per family member. We have five children; so that means we will be able to help seven families/children. That is my idea; with the help of my mother's insight.

Now, will my children be able to participate in Christmas by receiving their own gifts? Of course! The purpose of this endeavor is to show my children how wonderful it is to share and give. We have needed help in the past and I think it is time that we give back. We may not have a lot of money; but if each of my children forego one or two gifts for some other child/family; then my mission has been accomplished.

What a wonderful way to start a new family tradition! I cannot wait to get started. This coming weekend we will be making our lists of possible gifts and go "adopt" child/family each.

This is a wonderful lesson that I know my children will appreciate even more as they grow older. If you have a unique way of celebrating the holidays, whether it is Christmas or another religious holiday; let me know or write about your experience.