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Why should parents be teaching their kids that Christmas really has nothing to do with Santa Claus? There are so many reasons for this, and the true meaning of Christmas really has nothing to do with presents. So many people think that Christmas is about Santa Claus, and I have seen references made to, and people actually saying, that Christmas was celebrating the birth of Santa, as opposed to Jesus. I'm sure those references were made in jest, but you never know.

Christmas is the one time of year that has everything to do with material goods, but has nothing at all to do with material goods. It seems that when times are good, we all just go out and get as many presents as possible for as many people as possible, and we just assume that the good times will go on forever. Once the good times end, or if you happen to be the family that has nothing this Christmas, you start to realize what the true meaning of Christmas is.

For a child though, not having presents under the tree on Christmas morning can be a major disappointment. Kids have no clue what it means to have a down economy, or to have a job, or not have a job. They just think that some magical man brings all the good boys and girls presents. While that it is a good thing to have some wonder in the world, it can be hard to mesh reality with that story, especially if you don't have so much.

This is why kids need to know that Christmas is more about the act of giving as opposed to receiving. When we give, it really is a good feeling, and it helps others who might not have as much. You can learn so much more about yourself from giving than you can by getting. I can't say exactly what it is, but it does feel much better to give, than to receive something. I won't say it's not fun to get stuff, but how do we better the world by getting?

Kids can also learn that there really isn't some magical man that gives us all presents. Instead, kids can learn that we can be Santa ourselves, and give to others. There is something to be said for empathy, and helping others, during the holiday season. At one point in our childhood we realize that Santa isn't real, and I'm sure most kids realize it is all Mom and Dad anyway. Why not explain then the true meaning of the holidays, and how we can all help out?

Christmas is all about presents, but at the same time it really isn't. Christmas is all about giving, not getting, and helping those who might not have as much as we do. We should be trying to live this all year, but at Christmas, the spirit of the season is really what is the most important.

Learn more about this author, Cody Hodge.
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