The Challenge Of Keeping CHRIST In Christmas

From the time I was pregnant with Brady, Buck and I have been discussing how we would handle the Santa Clause issue when it arose with our children.

We were both on the fence for the simple reason that we didn't want our children de-bunking the Santa myth for other children. We think that we need to be sensitive to what other parents tell their children and that it's a family's decision as to how to handle the issue. We respect what other people teach their children.

We just knew that we VERY much wanted Christmas to be centered around the reason that we celebrate--the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Don't get me wrong. We too enjoy many of the commercial aspects of Christmas! What adult or child doesn't love seeing brightly wrapped boxes under a beautifully decorated tree? And who doesn't love seeing the sparkle in a child's eyes when they look at a big, bright, glittery display of Christmas lights? And perhaps best of all, who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked goodies accompanied by a big cup of hot cocoa, in a cute candy cane striped mug, of course?

It just bothers us that so many children (and adults) spend an entire holiday season making list after list of their wants, and focusing on the things of this world that don't truly matter. We want our children to understand that life is just as much about giving as it is receiving. And, that the giving is far more rewarding and lasting.

I was discussing the issue with my friend Monica over dinner one night a few weeks back and Buck and I both love how their family handles the issue.

Their three (soon to be four:)) little ones get one small gift from "Santa". The other gifts under the tree are from Mama and Daddy.

Problem solved. Buck and I are like the idea for a few reasons...

One, and most importantly, Santa Clause and the gifts he brings doesn't become the central focus of Christmas. It makes it easy to incorporate the story of the birth of Jesus, and explain that we follow in the tradition that the Three Wise Men began over 2000 years ago when they brought gifts to honor their King.

Two, our children won't upset other children and their parents (and we won't get angry phone calls) because they informed them that Santa Clause doesn't exsist.

And three, our children will know that we are giving them gifts because we love and honor them, as we love and honor our Savior.

I also want us to find multiple ways throughout the holidays to teach our children the joys of giving.

Maybe by selecting a child to purchase a gift for from the Angel Tree (and using their own money to do so)...

Or by volunteering at a local coat drive...

Or a soup kitchen...

Or by inviting over a single soldier or two or ten for Christmas dinner who couldn't make it home to be with their families...

Jesus tell us in Matthew 25:40, "...Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me."

After all, in a week or two, the novelty of those gifts under the tree will wear off, and they, like all the others, will end up in the bottom of the toy basket or in the back of a closet. However, the feeling of bringing joy to others will last in their hearts all year long.

And in the process, we will have taught our children that regardless of what the world may tell them, CHRIST is the one true reason we have to celebrate not only at Christmas time, but every day of the year!