| I am the mother of a 6-year-old so I know full | | | | Another aspect of reminding my child that |
| well how wild children become when caught up in | | | | Christmas is about giving is also to share with |
| the full Christmas frenzy. There is the | | | | those less fortunate. We go through toys and |
| never-ending list of "I want" items from catalogs, | | | | clothes before Christmas and take a good haul to |
| television commercials, and random store | | | | Goodwill. Obviously it offers the selfish benefit of |
| spottings. There is the sneaking around to find | | | | making way for the new presents, but if an |
| hidden gifts or fondle those already wrapped | | | | outgrown bicycle can make another child's |
| under the tree. There is the high spirits and wild | | | | Christmas a little brighter than that can only make |
| behavior that come from increased sugar intake | | | | the situation a win-win for everyone. We also |
| on top of the excitement of the season. While I | | | | participated in several giving projects through |
| can forgive a certain amount of high jinks, I also | | | | school, scouts, church and other organizations. |
| do not want my child to forget the reason for | | | | Last, and certainly not least, as a Christian family |
| the season. Here are four ways I remind my child | | | | we take part in many events to celebrate this |
| of the true meaning of Christmas. | | | | most important part of the Christian calendar. My |
| Of course Christmas is about presents. That is | | | | son and I both sing in choirs that put on |
| the true reason why children are so wild. They | | | | Christmas concerts. Our entire family supported |
| know the countdown is coming for a big haul of | | | | several efforts to help those in need from putting |
| gifts and it is very difficult to avoid this | | | | together shoebox gift boxes to ship overseas to |
| commercial aspect even if you choose to do so. | | | | the Joy offering that support specific church |
| Even when my husband and I make a conscious | | | | missions to the local coats for kids project as well |
| decision to be restrained there are still | | | | as bringing food for the local food pantry. We also |
| grandparents, aunts, cousins, and friends who | | | | lit the Advent candle during a recent church |
| conspire to deliver everything a boy can dream | | | | service which was very special. We always attend |
| of possessing. I do not wish to deprive my child | | | | church and Sunday School so will definitely attend |
| of that magical Christmas morning frenzy of | | | | the Christmas Eve candlelight service which is one |
| shredding wrapping paper, but I do want to make | | | | of my personal favorites. Our church family hosts |
| sure he remembers that Christmas is about giving | | | | several holiday parties as well to make the |
| -- not receiving. This means I make sure he is a | | | | season even brighter including appreciation dinners |
| part of the gift selection process as well as | | | | for the choirs, a birthday party for Jesus, and |
| purchase and wrapping. In addition, he also makes | | | | decorating the church. These are all great ways |
| a number of gifts and cards for those people | | | | to have fun and celebrate together without the |
| important to him. He enjoys this creative aspect | | | | commercial aspects. |
| as well as making a more meaningful gift that will | | | | If you embrace even a few of these tips then |
| be cherished much more than a store bought gift | | | | you will not only remind your child of the true |
| by his grandparents and other special people. Any | | | | meaning of Christmas but you will also help make |
| way you can channel although that pre-holiday | | | | the holiday season a little brighter for others as |
| energy into a positive action is always a bonus | | | | well. Both benefits also give you the added bonus |
| too. | | | | of adding to your store of holiday cheer. |