Give Your Children a Magical Christmas This Year

When I was a kid, Christmas was something absolutely magical.

I remember the eager anticipation of Father Christmas to leave presents in my stockings on Christmas Eve. While we had all the family gifts under the tree, each of us also had a stocking hanging from the fireplace lintel. And somehow by the morning those we always full of small treats that simply must have come from Father Christmas himself!

It was all so exciting!

Yet there was also a bit of anxiety too. In Holland, where I grew up, there was a tradition that if you had been naughty, all you would get would be a lump of coal or a bag of salt instead of presents.

All of us kids would be secretly wondering and hoping for the best.

That bit of uncertainty added yet more magic and mystique to the whole event. It was not just a "given" that there would be heaps of presents on Christmas day - Santa really did check his list twice!

Isn't that what Christmas should be about for children? Isn't that why, in the famous response to Virginia's letter, Francis Church said "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,"? He knew that the magic of Christmas was what mattered, and certainly didn't want to spoil that.

So what happened to the Christmas spirit?

It seems that over the years, commerce has become King. Out goes Jesus, the "reason for the season". Out go, the camaraderie and goodwill of Christmas the simple joys of visiting with friends and family, that lovely tradition of community carol singing - remember that? People went from door to door to sing carols and to collect donations for charity - not themselves! A far cry from Halloween, (when they don't sing, they just blackmail you with a trick or treat).

Instead the commercials just scream buy, buy, buy, as though spending more and getting more will make the season special. But all that produces is stress and debt.

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:

Check your local paper for events that you could go to. Maybe a Christmas show.

Or carols by candlelight.

Drive around town together and look at the Christmas lights on people's houses. Have a vote between you all on which house is the best. Then finish off with some hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun.

Another idea is to do some Christmas baking together - perhaps making gingerbread men - or even a gingerbread house.

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!

In the evenings, instead of turning on the TV, get out a board game, play charades, or work on a jigsaw puzzle together.

Watch a classic Christmas movie together. My favorites are Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the new Santa Clause series with Tim Allen.

And, when it does come time to open the presents - how about doing them one at a time instead of a mad scramble all at once? Each child takes turns to select a present from under the tree and pass it to the appropriate person. Yes, it will take all morning to do it. Which brings you nicely up to the family Christmas meal, followed by a walk, skate, or visit to friends.

Can't live without the computer? Well, let Santa go high tech too. You can now schedule an email from the Big Man to your children, for free. They will love it! Check it out at:

http://good-child-guide.com/email_from_santa/ (And you will get some free gifts for yourself too).

Make it your goal, this year, to build memories and magic that you, and your children, will cherish for decades.

Article Source: http://www.free-article-directory.net

Delorus Quintal is webmaster for Hot Christmas! where you can read more tips and suggestions to make your Christmas truly special. Go here to schedule an email from Santa Claus for your kids.
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