Teach Your Kids To Focus On Christ
I am often amazed when I hear the name of "Santa Claus" being brought up in Church. I believe kids should not be marketed the idea of the old man in a red suit when we are in Church, but they should be thought about the significance of the Birth of Christ and giving service.
My son, when asked about Santa Claus always replies, "It is Jesus' Birthday", and it stumps most adults. We do not teach our children lies nor believe lies.
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"How is Christmas regarded today? The legend of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, the decorations of tinsel and mistletoe, and the giving of gifts all express to us the spirit of the day we celebrate; but the true spirit of Christmas lies much deeper than these. It is found in the life of the Savior, in the principles He taught, in His atoning sacrifice--which become our great heritage." (Howard W. Hunter, "The Real Christmas," Ensign, Dec. 2005, 24) |
My son told me recently he was asked in Primary by a leader what Santa will bring for him this Christmas, he said he told her "No Santa Claus, it's Jesus's birthday" and he said to me on his limited speech "Mommy, Sister X does not want Jesus's birthday, all she keep saying is Santa Claus, Santa Claus, Santa Claus". I felt sorry for him because he could not express himself better, yet is interesting than after such reply, the leader would insist in asking and talking about Santa Claus.
Also, I disagree with part of the quote of Pres. Hunter:
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The legend of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, the decorations of tinsel and mistletoe, and the giving of gifts all express to us the spirit of the day we celebrate; |
Here is a good story where some kids learnt what Christmas was all about real fast:
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Tragedy and the True Meaning of Christmas Linda Gappmayer Reed, "Tragedy and the True Meaning of Christmas," Ensign, Dec. 1988, 34 It was going to be our best Christmas ever. Little did we know that a tragedy would make it one we would never forget. Dad was a high school geography teacher, and money was scarce. We three children heard the words "We can't afford it" much too often. So we could hardly believe it-and certainly had little appreciation for the sacrifices involved-when Dad and Mom announced that we were going to take a vacation at Christmastime. Even more unexpected was the news that we would be buying our first-ever new car for the trip-a yellow 1963 station wagon with mock wooden trim and a luggage rack on top. The only items missing were the optional seat belts that Dad had wanted installed before the trip. But since they hadn't arrived at the car dealership in time for our departure, we left without them. Time and scenery passed quickly as we listened to Christmas carols on the car radio and tried to stifle our giggles and whispers as we speculated about the gaily wrapped packages peeking out at us from their hiding places in the back of the car. I was hoping for what every ten-year-old girl was hoping that year-a Barbie doll, complete with wardrobe and blue vinyl carrying case. Eventually the rhythm of the road and the stillness of the dark lulled us children into happy dreams. I awoke instantly, with confusion all about me. I felt as if I were one of a hundred puzzle pieces, tossing and whirling, unable to come together as a whole. I remember screams and cries, the sound of the radio, darkness, and things flying past me and hitting me. When I reached out to try to avoid the jarring bumps, I briefly felt the smooth inside of the roof of the car. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, everything stopped moving, and for just an instant, there was silence. Read More... |