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When I was little, Christmas was such a magical time. 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! Along with all the other traditions that we kept, it was a time of excitement and wonder. 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. Fear and trepidation among all kids, hoping that they had been good enough for presents this year. 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! And isn't that the whole point to the Christmas season? Not just another commercial break, but something special, and completely different from the rest of the year. A time of special activities, and special memories. So where did the magic go? Now, instead of Christmas carols sung by lamplight at our door by volunteers collecting for charity, we have tinny xmas jingles (yes, Christ has even been removed from Christmas and replaced by X, an unknown quantity). 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? Well, what about this year bucking the trend. Instead of spending more and more, how about taking some time out to focus on making Christmas something special for just you and your children. Instead of heaps of presents they will play with for a day, give them something they will remember for decades. Here are some ideas: Look up your local papers to see what community events are on. Spend a bit less on presents and, instead, go and see a Christmas show together. Or maybe go to a carols by candlelight service. 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. Make some gingerbread cookies together - or even get really ambitious and make a full gingerbread house! Yes, it will take some time, but the children will remember it forever - much longer than the battery powered all- walking all-talking gizmo they "desperately need". If you have snow nearby, go sledding, or have a snowball fight - or try to build an igloo (this was a family tradition each year when we lived in PEI, Canada). The goal, remember, is to LAUGH together. 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). Bottom line? Take time to enjoy the season. Make an effort to do things that will lay down memories, and that will be magical for your kids. May you have a very merry Christmas.
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Delorus Quintal is webmaster for Hot Christmas! where you can find more articles and tips to make your Christmas truly special. Go here to schedule an email from Santa Claus for your kids. Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
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