Christmas is just around the corner

and

Terri Johnson from

Knowledge Quest Maps

has some great ideas to

Get Rid of the Gimmees!

9 Steps to a Meaningful Christmas for You and Your Family

Christmas can be a magical time for children.  Yet this holiday can also bring out whininess, disappointment and an ungrateful "gimme, gimme" attitude in our normally sweet children.  How can we, as caring parents, counter-act this contagious and disheartening attitude?  Let's use the word CHRISTMAS as an acrostic to remember some key thoughts and actions that can help our children (and ourselves) gain a proper perspective and appreciation for this most holy of holidays.

C - The letter "C" stands for two words - candles and carols.  Light your home with the glow of candlelight.  The presence of candlelight evokes a holy essence in your home - fitting for the holy occasion that we celebrate.  Fragrant candles are even better!  And remember to sing the carols of Christmas - together as a family and to yourself as you go about your daily tasks.  Play them also on your stereo.  The words of the traditional carols will imprint themselves upon your heart and mind and upon the hearts of your children as well.

H - The letter "H" stands for homemade.  Christmas does not have to empty your bank account.  In fact, the most meaningful Christmas gifts are usually the ones that are the least expensive.  Children naturally love to give the creations that they make.  Help them to find gifts that they can participate in the making of - simple yet thoughtful gifts that show their love and care for the receiver.  (This year, my children are making fleece scarves and pocket warmers for their cousins and other relatives.)

R - "R" stands for reading the Christmas story.  Do not forget to spend time in the Word of God, reading the account of our Savior's birth.  He is the reason we celebrate this time of giving.  We follow in the footsteps of the wise men who gave their precious gifts to an infant King, the Savior of the world.  And do not just read it aloud together once, but several times throughout the upcoming weeks.  (Helpful hint - this relates to letters "M" and "A" below.)

I - "I" stands for invite.  Open up your home and invite your friends and neighbors in for tea and cookies.  Why keep all those yummy cookies to ourselves when we can share them with friends?  Don't worry about having your home look like a picture out of a magazine.  We don't need to be perfect.  Our homes do not need to be perfect.  But we do need to share the love of Christ with our friends and neighbors.

For the rest of Terri's Christmas acrostic, click here.