WITHOUT CHRIST THERE IS NO CHRISTMAS-Christmas Eve Ideas

Along with all the efforts to create and enjoy the "magic" of Santa Claus, I try to put as much effort into making sure that my children know that Christmas is truly about our Savior Jesus Christ.  It is a time to think of Him each day and live as He would want us to.  So here are a few ideas to help us focus on Him.

#1- HOLDING BABY JESUS
Our Christmas Eve tradition is that we have a special dinner with candlelight and china (it's good that I pull that out one time a year).  We place baby Jesus from our nativity in the center of the table.  After we are  done eating we each take a turn holding that baby Jesus in our hand and sharing with the family our love for the Savior, how He has helped us this year, what we have learned of Him etc. etc.  It is a most tender and touching experience to listen to each family member tell of the differing ways and times that the Savior has strengthened them throughout the year. 

#2-READ ACCOUNT OF SAVIOR'S BIRTH IN BOOK OF MORMON
One of our family's most favorite Christmas story is the account of Jesus' birth recorded in the Book of Mormon, 3rd Nephi, chapter 1 beginning on verse 4 through verse 26.  Besides the accounts in the Bible I think this is the best Christmas story there is.  It is perfect for Christmas Eve.  We read this each year on Christmas Eve.  It tells of the people who believe Christ will soon be born but the unbelievers think the time has past for his birth so they plan to put all the believers to death.  Nephi prays to save his people and hears the voice of the Lord say to him that "...on the morrow come I into the world..."  The sign is given and the next morning Jesus Christ is born.  The believers are saved and blessed by their faith. 
It is a beautiful account and is surely the most amazing true story of Christmas Eve.

#3-SIGN A SONG ABOUT THE SAVIOR CHRISTMAS MORNING
This is a tradition I got from my dad.  Each Christmas morning before we could dig in to Santa gifts and the present mayhem, we would sit together for family prayer and then sing Silent Night or Away in a Manger.  As a young child I sure hated this tradition but as I grew I learned to appreciate it and continue it with my children.  It definitely helps us focus and turn our thoughts to the greatest gift of all- our Savior.


#4-SIBLING GIFT EXCHANGE
We have always had our children draw names for Christmas gifts to each other.  We found years ago that that gift exchange was heavily overshadowed by all the other presents on Christmas morning so we started doing it on Christmas Eve.  It has made all the difference.  It is a tender time to focus just on that gift giving amongst brothers and sisters and see the excitement that comes to receiver and, especially the giver.  It adds a whole new joy and anticipation to Christmas Eve. 

SEEING IS BELIEVING!

The following ideas take a little, well maybe a lot of effort but are so worth the excitement that will follow...

#1- SLEIGH TRACKS
If you live where there is snow and have a pair of ski's put them on and with your legs as far apart as they will go (we need width here) slide across the yard or through a small section.   That way you will make tracks that look like a sled was there.  With the ski's still on attempt the reindeer tracks. If you have no ski's use a 2 x 4 and lay it on the snow until you have two parallel lines.   If there is no snow, you can use  ride a bicycle over your grass and make two parallel lines (the tires will at least smash the grass down a bit to provide a "sled" mark).


#2- REINDEER TRACKS
One year my dad had shot an elk and I asked him to keep one leg for me.  I kept it in a bag until Christmas and then on Christmas Eve about 2 AM I went outside and stomped that elk hoof all around the front yard near the sled tracks.  If you don't have access to an elk hoof (who in the world does?  It sounds funny to even say that because I am saying it like it's something you can just go pick up at Walmart!- Someday I hope to manufacture one that you can attach to your broom handle.)  then I have used many times since a potato.  Just cut a potato lengthwise and trace this pattern on to it then carve it out with a sharp knife.  It works pretty good but does take longer. 

WHEN IT'S ALL FINISHED PRAY THAT NO MORE SNOW FALLS AND COVERS ALL YOUR HARD WORK!

One year all my neighbors came out to see the glorious sight and proof that Santa had been there.  The children were jumping up and down and bursting with squeals of excitement and although completely exhausted and unable to walk from spreading the ski's a little too wide, I felt it was definitely worth it.  Magic takes effort!

#3-  SANTA'S FOOT PRINTS
After the children have all gone to bed on Christmas Eve, find the biggest boots you can.  Pour washable brown paint in a cookie sheet.  Add some water, just enough to water the paint down a bit.  Mix it together with a pastry brush.  Take it outside to the porch.  Set it on the ground.  Slip on the large boots.  Step into the paint mixture then very carefully step off the pan and walk to the front door.  It's going to bring the house down!

This idea is great for anywhere you live even if there is no snow.  The paint will wash off very easily but leave it long enough for all the neighbor children to come have a look.  They may however wonder why Santa didn't leave any on their steps.  Refer their parents to my blog!

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE BIG DAY - Let the Magic Begin!

LESS THAN ONE WEEK TO GO!  Here are some ideas to really put the Christmas magic over the top at your house!

#1- Santa gifts must be wrapped in paper NEVER before seen by children. 
Go to any store and purchase a paper with Santa on it or something that looks like it could be straight from him.  (That way it's exciting and more believeable that it came from the North Pole, Someday I hope to market special North Pole wrapping paper but haven't got to that this year)
Also get some really fancy bows and tags that look like something special.  Here is an example of some I got from Oriental Trading and love them because they look pretty authentic.  I have my neighbor write names on them so no handwriting tracing can go on. 

When the presents look very beautiful and extra special it helps with the "magic." Many people don't wrap Santa gifts and that is just fine.  The excitement is still there but if you want to really turn up the excitement level and anticipation wrap those gifts and look forward to a most magical morning.


#2- REINDEER FOOD
Not only does Santa need a treat but his reindeer do too.  This is such a fun idea for kids to do on Christmas Eve.  Here's the recipe and I tell my kids that it came straight from Santa himself. 
                                                        
                                       RECIPE:
                                             Combine:
                                                     1/3 C rolled oats
                                                     1 TBL glitter
                                                     1/4 C carrots
                                                                          Mix well
After you have made the recipe together, send the kids outside to sprinkle the mixture all over the grass, snow or outside of your home.  The glitter works on snow and grass (it's guides the reindeer to the food).


#3- SPECIAL SANTA KEY FOR FRONT DOOR
We have never lived in a house with a chimney so I  had to come up with this idea long ago when my children were worried that we had no way for Santa to come in the house.  I went to the nearest hardware store and had a front door key made in gold.  I added a ribbon to it and presented it to the kids.  They of course wanted to try it out so that is why it has to be a real key that will open your door.  Then before they go to bed we hang the key on the doorknob and it's ready for Santa. 


#4-  SANTA IN THE MALL OR PARTIES
Always tell your children that the Santa's they see in stores or parties are sent by Santa and are his special helpers.  Children will be very curious and questioning about fake beards and boots.  Explain that Santa has a special school that he himself trains all his helpers who get to dress like him and help him out during the Christmas season.  This will help them be reassured that because they see fake beards and boots the real Santa is still in the North Pole.


FUN IDEA to display all your Christmas cards: I learned this idea from my grandma and have been doing it since I got married.  We put all the Christmas cards we receive on our front door so that we can enjoy them but also anyone who comes to our home gets to enjoy them as well.  It keeps those we love in our thoughts each day of the season.

IDEA: GINGERBREAD MAN RUNS WILD!
Read the story of the Gingerbread man and then create one with your children.  Costco sells a great package with 4 large ones and all the makings to decorate.  Also Peppridge Farms sells a box with several little ones in it or you can use a great recipe to bake some.  After decorating them tell your kids you need to stick them back in the oven to make sure the decorations are cemented on (don't really turn the oven on however).  Set the timer for 10 minutes.

During that time distract your children somehow and either do it yourself (but they will be suspicious) or call a neighbor over to do the job of removing the Gingerbread man from the oven and hiding him outside somewhere like in the mailbox, car or bushes etc.  IMPORTANT: leave the pan in the oven.  When the timer goes off have your kids come to get him out.  He will be gone.  The excitement is fantastic.  Send them on a hunt to find him. 

When they find him ask them how they could be sure he doesn't get out again because he needs to go back in for another 5 minutes or so.  Hopefully they will come up with the idea to tie it shut.  After you have tied it shut set the timer and distract them again and get him out and hide him in a different place.  Have them come to the oven again and this time leave the rope lying in the pan. 

Send them on a hunt for him again and after finding him, hopefully they will want to stand guard.

 After standing guard for a short time you can finally get him out and eat him.

This is one of the most fun Christmas activities and your children will love it!  I did it at preschool this week and have attached some video to go along with the pictures.  (Please forgive that two of them are not the right direction -I am learning.) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANTA GIFTS - Tip #2

It's important to remember that Christmas time is a great opportunity to teach your children about provident living, the difference between wants and needs and gratitude.  My ideas here are supported by many psychologists and family therapists and I will share some of their advice as well. 

We should never let guilt or comparison with friends or neighbors fuel our gift purchasing and giving.  Set a limit in your family about how many gifts will be from Santa and when you discuss with your children what they want for Christmas tell them your expectations for the year.  For instance, if it's going to be a very frugal Christmas let them know that Santa will not be bringing all their wants this year but he could probably bring one or two. 

I have taught preschool for 21 years and each year we do a Sub-for-Santa in our class and collect change for over a month and then take that jar filled with $ to the bank and then go to the store to purchase gifts for needy children in their age range. Every year after explaining what we are collecting the $ for and how the parents of these children don't have enough $ to buy the things their children need and want, the children will say,"Santa will just bring them the presents they want." 

I have come to the conclusion that children need to understand that Santa cannot bring anything and everything.  Children need to learn about realistic expectations.  So I came up with this explanation for children and it seems to really open their eyes to their opportunity to help others and also that they are not entitled to whatever they want and have to really think about what they hope to receive from him.  It is this...

Santa also lives on a budget that is given to him by the parents.  I have told my children that parents have to give Santa money for the gifts he brings.  He gets much of his things from the same stores we shop at because they give him the best deals.  He also has a deal with stores that if something breaks after Christmas you can exchange or return it to a nearby store.  He  has to check with parents before giving the gifts he gives.  There is a special phone number that only parents can use to call him.  This works great if your child is begging for a puppy and you just cannot have one right now.  

One of the best ways to blow your Santa cover is to give clothing or shoes.  It is difficult to believe that Santa is making clothes, shoes or socks up in the North Pole.  Things that could have "fit" problems should be given from the parents.  As a child, the first time I started to clue in to the Santa thing was when I opened some boots and immediately put them on and my mom said, "If they don't fit we can take them back."  How? Where? I wondered.

In our family Santa only ever brings two or three gifts.  The rest of the gifts are put under the tree before Christmas Eve so they are seen and anticipated about before the big day (if they are put out on Christmas Eve children we be very suspicious on Christmas morning).  I also want my children to understand that it takes a lot of effort for parents to shop and wrap and show appreciation for that Christmas morning.  I think it would be great for children to write a letter of thanks to Santa after Christmas to practice showing gratitude. 

Lastly, there is much research that backs up that as children grow and are asked what they remember best about Christmas, traditions and memories far outweigh any specific gift that was given.  This is powerful research.  We need to spend more time on building traditions that are special to Christmas in our family and less time running around like crazy people trying to buy the latest and greatest toys.  Traditions create memories and that is what are children truly remember and what create the strong bonds that last a lifetime.

IDEA:
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS STORIES:  Here's a fun tradition that you could start DEC 12 or 13.  Wrap up all the Christmas books you have or if you are just starting out accumulating books, buy one or two each year until you have 12 and in the meantime check out 12 from the library.  Each night have your children open 1 book.  Sit and read it together.  You will open one each night until Christmas.   We always end on Christmas Eve with this family favorite Jolly Old Santa Claus by Ideal Press.  I've been reading that on Christmas Eve since I was a little girl.  It has the BEST illustrations by George Hinke and puts you right at the North Pole and you can go to bed with visions of Christmas magic right in your head!

  

The Magic of Santa-our special job

It's Christmas time and that means that all of us who have children put on the wonderfully magical hat of the big man in red.  This is probably my most favorite job that I inherited at the birth of my first child.  I have gone to great lengths over the years to see that my children "BELIEVE."   I have also never told my children who are grown and even the one that is married that I am Santa (even now  it pains me to write that as I know she'll read this post and the cat will be out of the bag!) I have a book that I've been working on for years called Let's Get Our Stories Straight which is all about ways to do those special jobs we have as parents and if we would all do them more the same, our children could believe in the "magic well into their teens.   I have done many years of research on this subject, I have asked many parents their ideas and then asked children their questions.  I have come up with creative ways to address their questions and combined the great ideas I've gotten from parents.  I recognize that every family carries out their Santa responsibilities differently and this is certainly your right as a parent to do it however you want to.  My suggestions are simply that-suggestions. 

I must address one last issue before beginning.  In my research I have had some parents who say, "but it is lying to your kids and someday they will find out and not trust you.  Someday they will wonder about all the other things you taught them because if you lied about this then what other things have you lied about."

To those parents I say this... Do they let their children ever make believe or act out their fantasies?  Do they encourage pretend play such as fighting a dragon or sprinkling glitter around the bed to scare away monsters?  Do they buy their children Superman capes and watch them jump from tall buildings made of couch cushions?  Do they dress their little girls up in princess dresses and build them a castle out of a refrigerator box?

Part of healthy childhood emotional and cognitive development is imagination and pretend play. Child development experts recognize the importance of imagination and the role it plays in helping children learn to understand reality. Imagination is necessary for learning about people and events we don't actually experience.   

"Whenever you think about the Civil War or the Roman Empire or possibly God, you're using your imagination," says Paul Harris, a development psychologist and professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education who studies imagination. "The imagination is absolutely vital for contemplating reality, not just those things we take to be mere fantasy."

"For instance, there is evidence that imagination and role play appears to have a key role in helping children take someone else's perspective, says Dr. Harris. Kids with autism, on the other hand, don't engage in much pretend play, leading some to suggest that the lack of such activity contributes to their social deficits, according to Dr. Harris."

Soooo with that, lets all get ready for our most exciting job of the year!   As my children get older and ask,  "Is Santa real?"  I always say,  "The magic is real.  The spirit of Santa is real." 
He lives in each one of us.  It is a magical thing to secretly buy and then wrap those presents and have them appear on Christmas morning and then lay awake the rest of the night so excited, but completely exhausted, thinking about the joy that will be on the faces of those children who gave us this job!

Tip #1:  Hiding places are key!  (this may be obvious but it will blow the magic more than any other thing if the presents are hidden where kids know where you hide and then snoop while your gone or accidentally see them because you left them on your closet floor until you could get to them.)  Make sure you have your hiding place ready as soon as you start your shopping. 
 
The best places I have learned are:  empty suitcases, large black garbage bags that sit in a storage room or place the children rarely go and just look like a bag of garbage, or a bedroom with a lock that requires a key and cannot be compromised.


Next post: Gifts appropriate for Santa giving