As of late, Christmas has become commercialized to the point where everywhere you turn, there are advertisements about purchasing products for yourself or others. It’s all about the next shiny object, that it’s difficult for children to discern about the true meaning of Christmas.
So, what are our kids learning about this holiday? That Christmas is a about getting as much as you want for yourself or from others.
Is that really what Christmas is about? Absolutely not! That’s not why we celebrate it. In fact, that’s not what Christmas is about at all.
Let’s take the time to teach our children how to center themselves and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s celebrate this holiday together with the following strategies.
Actionable Steps:
#1. Understand Christmas
Read a Christmas story about the following:
- If you have Christian students or you teach in a Christian school, then read to students about Jesus’ birth.
- If not, read to children about togetherness and love during this time of the year. Focus on family, friends and the community.
If you have time, read multiple Christmas stories to your children and pair them up with steps #2, 3 and 4 so that students understand and have hands-on experience while basking in the true meaning of Christmas.
#2. Learn Through Music
There’s nothing quite like getting into the Christmas spirit with music. Enjoy some Christmas music together. Everyone learns in different ways. Some of your children may learn best through sound and music. Let them sing Christmas songs together and then discuss the meaning of them at a later time.
#3. Have a Meaningful Christmas
Have your students reflect on what Christmas means to them as an individual and as a family. Why do they celebrate it? They can do it with the following FREE resource, “Between Calm and Love: A Christmas Reflection Journal.”
If this is too difficult, have them reflect on the following Christmas prompts. This will help them have a deeper connection to Christmas while developing their writing skills. The following resources are differentiated for students who are Christians and for those who are not. Let them choose which ones resonate them with them if you have non-Christian students in your classroom or at home. Click on either of the following images to go find the resources that best meets your needs.
#4. Give a Gift
Teach your children about the importance of giving gifts. Ask them why we give gifts and how they think it will make others feel when they receive it. If they aren’t sure, have them think about how they feel when they get a gift on Christmas morning.
Then have them not only wrap gifts for others but also handmake cards or gifts. If your children are older, have them volunteer at a local shelter or see if a local church or institution have members who need extra support or donations this Christmas.
Recap:
Let’s recap really quickly. Today, we looked at the following:
- The importance of teaching children about why we celebrate Christmas.
- Four simple ways to teach children about the meaning of Christmas: understand Christmas, learn through music, have a meaningful Christmas, and give a gift.
Free Resources:
For a meaningful Christmas activity to do with your students or on your own, download your FREE COPY BY CLICKING HERE.
Next Steps:
If you found this video beneficial, would you do me a favor? Share this with your family, your friends, your loved ones, your co-workers or someone who you think could benefit from this. Thank you!
I’ll see you next Friday at 5:30pm PST.
Until I see you next time, remember to create, experience & teach from the heart.
Take care,
Charlotte
Disclaimer: I’m a teacher and a parent. I’m not a medical professional, so please don’t take this as medical advice. The advice that I provide in my videos and online are strategies that I have used in my own class or at home that have worked beautifully.
