How to Teach Kids About the Spirit of Christmas

Seems like kids today are just thinking about what they'll be getting for Christmas and not understanding that Christmas is about love, family, and giving. To start educating them properly, try putting them to work a little. It'll take some of the Christmas stress off of you as well.

Instead of you making or buying the Holiday cards this year have the kids make them. They'll have more sentimental value to all that receive them and that's one last thing on your list to do. It will teach them about how important it is to show your family that you love them and are thinking about them this Christmas. Also have your children make Christmas gifts for each family member. We've got all the ideas here and the directions so keep reading and get creative!

The Family Christmas Cards

Supplies:

Crayons or Markers

Stickers

Construction Paper

Elmer's Glue

Glitter

Scissors

Directions:

Fold all construction paper in half (hamburger style) then unfold to reveal the crease line. Take a pair of scissors and cut the paper in half. This way the card will fit easily into an envelope. Now fold the paper in half (hamburger style) again to make the card. Have the child write a short message such as:

We love you grandma

Have a Merry X-mas

Love,

The Robins Family

Next take the Elmer's glue and make a pretty border around the outside of the card, then take the sprinkles and toss them all over the glue. When completely covered wait 30 minutes for the glue to dry, then stand the card up and shake off the excess glitter. Have your kid place stickers where ever he/she likes and place a stamp on each of the envelopes. Now all that's left for you to do is write the mailing and return address. Christmas card chore is done.

Refrigerator Ornaments

Supplies:

Save up lids from used jars such as pickles, sauces, baby food, coffee, etc...

Elmer's Glue

Glitter

Colored pom poms

Colorful buttons

Colored Felt

Magnet strips

Super Glue

Pencil

Directions:

Super glue the magnet strip to the outside of each lid. Allow for it to fully dry before picking up the lid and placing it on the felt to trace with a pencil. Once done, cut out the circular shape and glue it to the inside of the lid and allow to fully dry before allowing your child to start decorating. Once dry, give your child the buttons, pom poms, glitter, and Elmer's Glue and tell them to decorate an ornament for each family member.

Once your kid finishes he/she'll have fun gifts for each of the family members to place on their fridge.

Santa's Reindeer

Supplies:

Popsicle sticks

Red marker

Brown Crayon

Plastic eyes

Elmer's Glue

Brown Felt

Light colored construction paper

Directions:

With a heavy duty kitchen knife cut Popsicle stick into 3 pieces to represent a reindeer tongue. Cut the brown felt into little legs and a tail. Just make them little stick figure type legs and tails if you like.

Hand the construction paper to your child and ask them to draw an oval shaped body of a reindeer and its head with the brown crayon. Next have them glue on the leg, tail, and eye pieces. Then color the piece of Popsicle stick with red marker and glue it on to the mouth area.

Now the reindeer is complete, cute tongue and all!

Decorating the little Christmas Tree

Supplies:

Printout of a Christmas tree

Crayons or markers

Colorful Buttons

Holiday Stickers

Elmer's Glue

Glitter

Directions:

Google in "picture of a Christmas Tree" and print a plain uncolored picture of a Christmas tree. Have your child color the tree green, and then apply Elmer's Glue in a garland type fashion. Sprinkle on glitter and wait to dry before shaking off excess glitter. Then it's time to place the little holiday stickers and glue the buttons on the tree. Now you've got another great present for a dear family member from a loved one.

Misc. Tips:

Keep your children involved in the Christmas activities and helping you complete your to do list. As we said before, this will help take some stress off of you and teach your children what Christmas is really about. It's not just about get all those presents under the tree, it's family time and time to do things for others to show that you love and care for them. Teaching this to kids early on will help create morals and values that will last a lifetime. So keep your kids involved!

Source- Family fun since late 1990's