10 Tips for Families Who Don't Celebrate Christmas

Here it is mid-October and already the consumer is being bombarded with...visions of sugarplums dancing in one's head? The kids are starting to make their "wish" lists, or what has become the "if-you-don't-buy-it-for-me-I-am-going-to-become-a-bigger-pain-in-the-butt-than-you-have-already-allowed-me-to-be" list.

Let's face it-Christmas has become commercialized, and even the most unexpected have fallen prey to its lure, disguised as a "one-size-fits-all" holiday. There are Jews who put up Christmas trees, and atheists who participate in holiday gift exchanges. Even those who call themselves "Christians" get caught up in the commercial hoopla of the season, rather than reflection on why this celebration is truly important in their tradition.

Perhaps it is done so that the children from these families and others do not have to face the discomfort of not fitting in with the mass expectation of the holiday. Nor do they want to have to explain why their families do not celebrate Christmas.

There are several reasons why some families might not celebrate the Christmas holiday season: The most obvious reason is that they come from a different religious or cultural tradition. Secondly, many Christians are now opting out of celebrating in this commercialized version of what has become the celebration of their Savior. There are others who have not been raised with a history of and have no strong ties to any particular tradition. Lastly, there are those whose circumstances are such that they have no opportunity to "celebrate"-perhaps the single mother and her child who is far away from family.

Having some alternative plans and strategies may make it easier for families and individuals alike to get through the Christmas season:

Tip #1: Have open family discussion. Whatever the reason a family may not celebrate the season, it is important for parents to discuss this decision with their children. Give your children the tools to stand up to the peer pressure of having to answer questions from friends, teachers, and others who will certainly be curious, if not critical.

Tip #2: Learn and explore. Use this time to research your own religious and cultural traditions. Or explore another tradition and compare the similarities and differences with your own. Encourage your children to be informed about their beliefs and others.

Tip #3: Serve others. Even if you do not celebrate the Christmas holiday, there are many organizations that do things for those who are less fortunate. Find a place which serves meals to those who may be homeless. Volunteer to serve or help to clean. Teach your children compassion for others who are less fortunate.

Tip #4: Donate unused or gently used items. Have everyone go through their possessions and pull out those things that no longer fit, or items which have been sitting around unused. Donate these items to a charity thrift store which benefits a cause you support, teaching your kids about the value of giving.

Tip #5: Befriend someone new. There are many elderly folks who are in nursing homes who have no family left, or their friends have passed on before them. Help your children learn to value what they have by talking to those who lived in a time where things were not so plentiful.

Tip #6: Get involved in winter sports. This might be the perfect time to get everyone involved in winter fitness. Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports will help the family stay active and healthy. The slopes may not be quite as crowded on the days everyone else is visiting family to celebrate a holiday.

Tip #7: Plan a family vacation. This may be a great time to take your family on a vacation to Hawaii, the Caribbean, or on a theme park vacation. Allow the children to help make the plans or research the best airfares and vacation deals.

Tip #8: Go to a movie. Many movies are scheduled for release in the theatres on Christmas Day. It is usually not quite as crowded that day.

Tip #9: Explore the arts. During the holiday season, there are many galleries, museums and theatres which offer special plays, exhibits, and other events. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore these venues.

Tip #10: Tell the family stories. Drag out the boxes of photographs and other mementos saved. As you go through them as a family, tell the stories behind the events. You're your children the gift of passing along the family stories. Allow each child his or her own scrapbook. Let them develop their creativity by coming up with their own stories. Make this a tradition on a monthly or seasonal basis.

Regardless of the reason you do not celebrate Christmas, this season gives you an opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. You can explore new ideas, make new friends, or start your own new traditions. Each will help to foster stronger family ties and create your own special memories.