4 tips to help your child realise the true meaning of Christmas

It’s that time of year where we spend the whole day together with our families, celebrating with raucous laughter, mountains of food and a large stack of presents. We’re so wrapped up in the cosiness of the season that it is often all too easy to forget what Christmas is really about. It’s not simply a day where we shower each other with gifts, it’s a day where we truly count our blessings, learn to appreciate what we have and share that lesson with others. Before tucking into your mince pies this Christmas, why not get your kids involved in a few Christmas activities which underline the true meaning of the festive season?

Go to Church

Church offers you a sanctuary away from the distractions that TV and video games have to offer, and give you an opportunity to spend a little quality time with the kids away from the screen. There are lots of activities that you could participate in together, such as singing Christmas carols or watching a Christmas service complete with nativity.

Make a donation

Christmas is an excellent time to encourage your children to help people those less fortunate. It’s also a great way to teach them that every little thing that they do will help. There are lots of simple things you can do, like collect cans and other bits of food and deliver them to a homeless shelter, or even donating old toys and unwanted games or clothes to children who need them more. Even baking cookies and taking to an elderly neighbour could really brighten someone’s day.

Be crafty

Making your own nativity scene this Christmas is a brilliant activity for you to do when it’s a little too miserable outside. All you need is some cardboard and some paints. Not only will it give you the opportunity to spend some quality time with your kids, but it’s a way for you to have a discussion with them about the birth of Jesus and religion, and what it means to them. You could even use it as a centrepiece for your decorations next year!

Tell stories

Children often have a vivid imagination, and love nothing more than sitting with you and listening to a good story. And stories are amazing, because they offer us an insight into so many different, magical worlds and we discover something new. Bravery. Courage. Love. Kindness. Whether you retell the story of the birth of Christ, or even maybe even make up your own hilarious tale, finish your story with a message for your kids to discover.

Tags: Christmas, Christmas spirit, meaning of Christmas