How to Teach Children the True Meaning of Christmas

Children of all ages consider Christmas a holiday of "giving." Sad to say, the giving is for everyone else to give to them. This attitude sometimes carries on to adulthood, so as parents and grandparents, you need to teach children the true meaning of Christmas. It is better to give than to receive.

Young children do not fully comprehend the giving aspect, but it can be started in a small way to parents and grandparents. Everyone has neighbors, aunts, and uncles. You can give the youngest child a piece of paper and a marker or crayon. You can tell them that they should make a Christmas card for their aunt, uncle, neighbor, grandparent, or whomever. Let them be creative and draw whatever they want, or even scribble whatever they want. Put it aside and make it a point that they personally give it to the person. This creates a atmosphere of giving for the very youngest child.

If you are crafty, teach the child to make a craft as a gift for someone. You can help them wrap it and even put it under the tree for someone. This associates the thought of giving, no matter how small the gift.

If it is an older child, perhaps they could offer to do a chore for some adult. Put a note in an envelope and tell that person that they are going to do a certain chore as a Christmas gift.

Money is not the object of giving. Giving should come from the heart. Teaching children to share with someone for Christmas can produce a caring adult.

Adults remember gifts from children, and realize that these simple gestures of love are worth more than a million dollars. Children, who learn the art of giving, will become caring and thoughtful adults.

It is great to ask a child, "what is Santa bringing you?." It is so much better to ask a child what are you giving Mommy and Daddy for Christmas. Think about all of the Christmas songs. They are filled with peace, joy, and eternal giving.

This year teach the young children in your home to be giving individuals. Teaching a child to write a note, draw a picture, or even help bake some cookies to take to a neighbor, are some ways to spend quality time with the youngster. The true spirit of Christmas will be shared by both of you. Make this Christmas a special one for everyone, especially the children who give.