by Susan Stellar

Created on: December 09, 2007

Tired of commercialism in Christmas? Want to focus more on the faith, traditions, and religious meaning of the holiday? Need some low-cost ideas that can bless others while allowing your family to spend time together? How about starting a new tradition with your kids? Here's some great ideas for parents.

FAMILY TOGETHERNESS
1. Visit with grandparents, aunts & uncles, and other family members you don't get to visit very often. When visiting, ask your relatives about their childhood and past holidays. They'll be happy to reminise their "good old days" and impart their hard-earned values.

2. Take a family photo and mail it out to friends & family. Or label & date the back of school photos and mail them out. Great surprise to include in your Christmas cards.
3. Make a special meal together. Plan a brunch for grandparents, featuring eggs, sausage, waffles, grits (or oatmeal), fresh fruit, and juice. Cooking together allows you to spend quality time teaching your children, and the meal shows an appreciation and respect for elders.
4. Have fun putting on a skit for the family. Maybe after Christmas dinner? Get all the kids involved, and ask the adults to be your audience. You can find skits online or at your local Christian bookstore.

FAITH AND RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS
1. Teach the real meaning of Christmas. Discuss why it's "Christmas" and not "Xmas". Read the Bible together, Luke chapters 1&2 and Matthew chapters 1&2. Gather round a cozy fireplace with hot cocoa and take turns reading. This is a great Christmas eve activity, or you can read a little bit every night.
2. Attend church events, such as a play, drama, or choir, which document the life of Christ Jesus. Better yet, coordinate a play and encourage your children to participate!
3. Attend Christmas eve service at your church. Or another local church! Look for candlelight services for an awesome life-changing event.
4. Erect the nativity scene in front of your house. It's difficult to find a nativity scene since most stores only sell commercially-themed images Santa Clause, snowmen, etc.
5. Advent calendars help children count down the days, while reflecting on something worthwhile each day.
6. Research the meaning of Christmas symbols. Find out how Christmas is celebrated in various cultures.

GIVING GENEROUSLY
1. Bake and share homemade cookies. After cooled, wrap in plastic and walk to your neighbors houses! Don't forget teachers, youth pastors, and other favorite folks involved in your kids' lives.
2. Take the kids shopping

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