Christmas in the making!

Most soon to be parents have some discussion before their baby is born about Christmas. What traditions will they keep and create. What they want to tell their child about Sanata Clause and the type/amount of gifts they want to give. Hubby and I are not unique in this. We have had this discussion a number of times.

We have always known that we wanted a fairly laid back Christmas experience. Light on the gifts, and light on the crazy wrapping paper. We want our children to remember things like listening to Christmas music, singing, and one day playing Christmas music on whatever instrument they choose. I would also like that to be mixed in with a healthy does of service type projects. Volunteering at "soup kitchens," taking meals to other family's, and the like. I would like my children to look back and think fondly on brown paper, or newspaper wrapped gifts. Knowing that they were not wrapped that way out of necessity but, rather out careful consideration. I also want them to think back on each gift as a gift full of love. Rather than a huge mess of plastic stuff just to fill the space under the tree.

This year, Juilets first Christmas, we are going to try to start those ideas. We have already begun working on the Christmas gifts. So far, we have all hand made gifts. That is not to say that she will not receive some store bought, but for now, we have made them all. Here are a few pictures of what we have been working on.








As for telling her who Santa is, that is where I am torn. On one hand I want her to experience the whole "Santa" mysticism but, I also want her to understand that we are really celebrating the biblical Christmas story first and foremost.

Awhile back, I picked up a book at a library sale called "Santa are you for Real?" I dug it out the other day and it really helped to lead me in the "Santa" direction that I think I want to go. Here is a brief description of the book from www.christianbook.com.

"In this book children will discover that there really was a Saint Nicholas. Through colorful illustrations and a heartwarming story, children and parents will learn who the real Saint Nick was, when he lived, and why he gave gifts. Most importantly, you'll see how the original Saint Nick set an example for us today by keeping Christ at the heart of Christmas. Written by Harold Myra, President of Christianity Today, Inc., this trustworthy story is accompanied with fun, whimsical illustrations."

The book is heavy on the idea of giving during the holidays, with Jesus' gift to us being the model for our giving. I like that idea. The part of the book that I think I like best is that last page. It concludes with one of the children staring out of the window on Christmas eve, wondering if she just saw Santa in the moonlight. I like this idea because the book never really squashed the idea of Santa. It still leaves the parents to say, "I don't know about Santa, what do you think?" You can leave the mystery as just that, a mystery. Letting your child try to figure it out for them self. I think this is the direction I will go with Juliet. I have a feeling that this book will become an important part of our Christmas traditions.

What Christmas traditions do you remember?
Which traditions do you celebrate with your child/children?
How do you blend the idea of Santa with Christianity?