Home | Places & Travelling
Christmas, I remember as a kid, always used to be something really magical. I remember, when I was about 5 and we were living in Leiden, Holland. On December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, the big man himself, Sinterklaas, along with his helpers Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes - probably based on historical moors) actually visited our school! Wow, that was so exciting! And there was a tradition that if you had been bad through the year, instead of presents, you might just receive a lump of coal, or a bag of salt. Fear and trepidation among all kids, hoping that they had been good enough for presents this year. That bit of anxiety added spice and anticipation among us kids, which just added to the sense of awe, wonder and excitement. And isn't that the whole point to the Christmas season? Not just another commercial break, but something special, and completely different from the rest of the year. A time of special activities, and special memories. So what happened? Now, instead of Christmas carols sung by lamplight at our door by volunteers collecting for charity, we have tinny xmas jingles (yes, Christ has even been removed from Christmas and replaced by X, an unknown quantity). Instead of focusing on the giving, producing a sense of wellbeing, the never-ending commercials would have us focus on the getting - producing just big debts and more stress. And then, when the big day comes, do we spend it peacefully and quietly, enjoying the family get together and traditions? Or is it a big scramble to open the gifts as rapidly as possible, only then, an hour later to be bored and harassed? So, how about, this year, bringing some of that magic back for your children? You don't have to spend a heap of money to make Christmas magical. All it takes is a bit of planning, and a bit of time. Here are some suggestions: Look in your local paper and see if there is a Christmas show or other event you could all attend. Or carols by candlelight. Or what about driving around our neighborhood and taking a vote on the house with the best Christmas decorations and illuminations? Then set aside a whole afternoon to bake gingerbread cookies - or even a full gingerbread house. They will remember that for years to come - certainly longer than the latest battery operated toy. If you live near snow - take some time off together and have a snowball fight, or go sledding, cross-country skiing, or even try and build an igloo. Above all remember just to have some simple FUN! Turn off the TV and pay a board game, or Pictionary or Charades. Get in a classic Christmas movie - Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or the new Santa Clause series with Tim Allen playing a wonderful Santa. Then, when Christmas finally arrives, take time to savor it. Instead of a mad scramble to open all the presents in the quickest time possible, how about taking them one at a time - handing them out to each member of the family so everyone can delight in them. Oh, and if you really can't stay away from the computer - why not get Santa Claus to send your child a personalized email Christmas greeting. You can do that, for free, at: http://good-child-guide.com/email_from_santa/ (And you will get some free gifts for yourself too). Above all, make it your goal, this year, to make Christmas a magical memory - a time that will draw you all closer together as a family, and that your children will remember for decades to come. Just as I still remember my Christmases in Holland, so many years ago.
Article Source: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com
Delorus Quintal is editor for Hot Christmas! where you can read more tips and suggestions for a great holiday. Go here to schedule an email from Santa Claus for your kids. This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
Powered by Article Dashboard
