Christmas is the most popular family holiday
In the season, which is characterized by cold and darkness, Christmas and the time of preparation for them bring a lot of experiences with the light of candles, the smell of cakes and the singing of carols. In today's magazine you will find out why Christmas is really important for the family!
Unfortunately, even before Christmas, the consumer frenzy and the pressure to overtake each other with expensive gifts does not stop. How nice it would be if Christmas weren't so much about the latest game or toy as it was about singing carols, time spent pleasantly talking or playing together, just about family well-being.
We have compiled a few points that should remind you why we still celebrate Christmas, what Christmas means to children, and which traditions and customs can bring you a beautiful holiday.
Many children ask their parents about the Child in the manger, about the star above Bethlehem and the events that took place on Christmas Eve. But how to explain the Christmas story to children clearly? It is right to tell the children that Christmas is a Christian holiday, but it is also celebrated by many people who do not go to church because it is a holiday of family, love and a celebration of new life. Even small children understand that Christmas is a birthday celebration, so gifts are given. A child born in Bethlehem, more than 2,000 years ago, is one of the most important figures in human history.
It's a story that never ceases to fascinate. Parents who tell it to their children will be amazed by analogies that the little ones can express, for example, by drawing. For example the refugees, the injustice that a pregnant woman has not been offered a better place than a stable, or the powerful who are afraid that they will be replaced by a new generation – children can really perceive the Christmas story in context. There are many beautifully illustrated books with a Christmas story today. The parents can show to older children where Bethlehem and Jerusalem are exactly located in the atlas or globe. And it is possible to sing Christmas carols, which are ideal for internalizing what they have learned.
CHRISTMAS – TIME OF EXCITEMENT, ASTONISHMENT AND ENTHUSIASM FOR CHILDREN
The babies also react enthusiastically to the flashing lights and coloured Christmas balls on the Christmas tree. And they prefer nothing more than parents and grandparents to the gentle voice of Christmas carols. The little ones don't need expensive Christmas presents. If you want to please a young family, you can, for example, give them a figure for Nativity scene, which they can then start building together. Kids love to sing Christmas carols with their parents, cut out cookies and decorate the Christmas tree. Enjoy these moments in the family.
Baking together is an important ritual for the family
Schoolchildren already understand the Christmas story. They especially love Christmas presents. And while teenagers like to show off their rebellious side, they don't usually have much objection to tasty cookies, games, and grandparents' visits. In a world where traditions and rituals no longer seem to be in vogue, Advent and Christmas are likely to get under everyone's skin. Grandparents tell their grandparents about their childhood Christmas celebrations, the family bakes cookies together, and in kindergartens and schools, hard-working children's hands make loving Christmas presents for their parents. Vanilla rolls, butter biscuits and honey cakes - every family has their favorite cookies. Even small children enjoy rolling out the dough, cutting out cakes and decorating them with colorful sprinkles. Sufficient time should be planned in the family for Advent baking. It often takes longer for children to cut out their delicacies, so patience is needed.
Advent wreath
You can easily tie and decorate the Advent wreath yourself. All the ingredients you can find in the flower shop. But even a pre-purchased Advent wreath will provide great joy: every Advent Sunday, someone in the family lights an Advent candle, sings a song and maybe even reads a nice story. There should be a homemade Advent wreath at Christmas.
With each new candle that burns out on the Advent wreath, the expectation of Christmas increases immeasurably. In addition to Advent Sundays, this period also offers us several specific days.
The fourth of December is the feast of St. Barbara. There are fresh twigs placed in a vase filled with water on this day in some regions. Cherry and hawthorn twigs bloom until Christmas Eve and many consider them talismans for good luck. The twigs of St. Barbara can also serve as a prediction: each member of the family will hang his wish on a twig. Whom the twig blooms first, its wish will come true.
Custom with twigs of St. Barbara is ancient and brings joy to children as well. Why not read the story of St. Barbara on this beautiful occasion in addition to the Christmas story?
Freshly cleaned boots, nuts, apples and a friendly man with beard. Did you know that in German-speaking countries, Nicholas is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht? He sometimes punishes disobedient children, but only very few boys and girls are afraid of him. St. Nicholas is an exciting holiday for the little ones. Did you know that St. Nicholas was a bishop in Myra?
Advent Calendar
There is no Advent time without an Advent calendar. Kids love to open the calendar window every day and enjoy the little surprises they find. Many parents make and fulfill the Advent calendar themselves, and in some cases the godmother or grandparent does. By the way, it doesn't always have to be something sweet. Lucky pendants, trading cards, kits, balloons and other little things are great ideas for Advent calendar gifts. Unpacking and surprise are usually more important to children than a real gift.
Christmas cards
Christmas is a great time to send postcards and letters to relatives and friends who live far away. From coloured cardboard, stickers, shimmering dust and straws, children will conjure up beautiful Christmas cards. Family photos are also a beautiful design for Christmas card.
Christmas tree
A Christmas tree is a must have at Christmas, of course. With its lights, shiny balls and other decorations, it adorns every living room. Today, you can also find Christmas trees in pots that will be planted after Christmas. Each family has its own rituals for setting up and decorating the Christmas tree.
Christmas Nativity scene – what a beautiful tradition
The Nativity scene enlivens the Christmas story in a very special way. Children can't get enough of lovingly carved figures and are inspired to dream and think about the Christmas story. In some families, the Nativity scene is passed down from generation to generation. In other families, the parents buy another figurine for the Nativity scene every year and gradually add shepherds, animals, an angels on stage. And on Christmas Day, Jesus is placed in the manger.
The fairytale Nativity scene from ChoralisWoodArt is not only very beautiful, but also is ideal for children. In some cities, Christmas markets have large nativity scenes that, along with mulled wine and roasted almonds, can attract the crowds. Carving Nativity scenes figures and building Nativity scenes has a long tradition.
CHRISTMAS WITHOUT STRESS
We have prepared some tips to help you spend a stress-free Christmas with your family. This is how Christmas really becomes one of the highlights of the year:
Christmas Eve dinner
Christmas dinner in particular could be a real stress factor in some families. The children do not like the prepared food, the dinner seems too long for them, because they can no longer wait for gifts. In the middle of the Christmas rush, children will not behave differently than in everyday life. So it would be wrong to have exaggerated expectations of children. You know best what your child likes. When planning a feast, take into account your child's preferences.
Let your children help to cook, place, serve or clean the table. Everyone in the family can contribute to the successful outcome of the celebration dinner. Did you know that cabbage soup usually tastes better the next day? Carp and potato salad can also be pre-cooked. And what about jammed summer fruits as dessert? Make the preparation as easy as possible. If your staff offers you help, accept it. Every help reduces stress. Do you work until December 23 and have a good restaurant in town? Feel free to order a Christmas goose complemented by dumplings and red cabbage from there. Nothing compares to a festive meal where everyone is relaxed and happy.
Gift giving
It doesn't make sense to postpone giving gifts especially for young children. The children will still have enough time to unpack and try it out. If there are electronic toys among the gifts, parents should always check in advance that they have the correct batteries ready.
Fresh air and exercise
And what about a short walk before Christmas Eve dinner? Exercise in the fresh air has been shown to reduce stress levels for both parents and children. And if the dream of a white Christmas comes true, it's all the more important to spend as much time outside as possible. Building snowmen, sledding, skating, or skating with the whole family - the possibilities are almost limitless.
The right dosage of using smartphones and tablets
Smartphones and tablets have become an integral part of our daily lives. But who would want a Christmas party where children stare at a smartphone all the time? It is probably impossible to enforce their use during the holidays. However, their use can be dosed appropriately.
Adults who repeatedly take their smartphones into their hands cannot expect different behaviour from their children. If children show addictive behaviour when using smartphones or mobile phones, the only thing that helps is consistency. All devices are locked in a stylish box for the agreed time. Everyone who pulls out the device has to do a small job in the household. Board games, open-air walks, a sweet Christmas movie on TV - those who offer their children nice alternatives significantly increase the chance of a holiday without smartphones.
Not too many gifts
With too many gifts you will only achieve that the children will no longer know what to do with them. To reduce the number of gifts, you should make clear agreements with grandparents and other relatives. The happy face of their children will be seen on Christmas Eve by the parent who makes it clear to the children before the Christmas that the most beautiful gift is the time spent together. Most children understand much more than adults think. If the child's wish list is too long or if the contains ideas that are too expensive, it is time for an open discussion. If a child is lovingly explained that a new bicycle, an electric guitar and the latest game console simply cost too much money, the joy of a real Christmas present is far greater than the disappointment that exaggerated expectations are not met.
Wrap your gifts sustainably
There is a large amount of packaging waste at Christmas. The gifts can be nicely wrapped even without glossy paper, glitter foil and coloured ribbons. You will find sustainable packaging materials in every household: old newspapers, music notes, woolen threads, empty bottles, round cereal cans or cardboard boxes.
Bethlehem games
Bethlehem games are played at Christmas in various communities, whether in schools or churches. Children who would like to play Maria, Shepherd or Sheep themselves can register well in advance. Parents get involved by sewing costumes, making props or handing out flyers. Even a visit to the church can be a unique family experience, even for a family that does not normally go to church.
The atmosphere of endowment
Christmas is a holiday of endowment. It is a perfect time to tell children that not everyone is doing well and that it is important to think about others. What about to bake a couple of Christmas cookies for an old neighbour? There are always contacts who know who would be pleased with a small gift basket in parishes and public institutions such as hospitals, retirement homes, shelters for the homeless or refugee homes. Kids love to compose these kinds of gifts, they will contribute the pictures they have drawn and they will be happy to help with shopping and packaging. Animals can also be helped: the birds in the garden enjoy the food the family has built for them. Giving joy to others is at least as much fun as receiving gifts for yourself.
Play, talk and remember
There is a table game under the Christmas tree every year, which parents and children play again and again over the holidays in some families. Many people at Christmas remember especially their childhood and engage in conversation - inspired by the smell of cookies and the glow of lights. A nice Christmas ritual is also to pull out photo albums at Christmas and use sweet children's photos to explain to the children that a star came out at birth - as was the case with the birth of Jesus.
Most parents want to give their children an unforgettable Christmas. However, in order to keep Christmas stress-free, it is also important that you find freedom and treat yourself to something nice. Have a good glass of red wine when the kids are in bed or listen to the Christmas oratory. Indulge in a festive atmosphere. You deserve it!
Finally, dear friends, let us wish you truly wonderful; happiness and love filled Christmas holidays.
Choralis Wood Art & St. Michael Art Team
