My daughter is almost 3 years old and this is her first christmas where she understands alot of what is going on. I wanted to in some way teach her the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of christ etc etc. I am ambarrased to admit that most of my life I only saw christmas as getting gifts at the end of the year, I really didnt know the true meaning until a coworker broke it down for me when I was about 18 years old.I dont want this to happen to my daughter. My daughter told me last night that she wants a Dora bike, and then I realized she needs to be taught the true meaning and that christmas isn't all about gifts. We dont go to Church regularly unfortunately. I now that would be the ideal way. Does anyone have any ideas or know of any shows/plays catered to 3 year old to help teach the meaning of christmas in a fun way?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Hi N.,
Fisher Price makes a Little People Nativity set as well. My daughter got this as a gift when she was 2 and still relates very well to it. It's a great way for her to play and for you to tell her the Christmas story too. (It also keeps little hands away from any good Nativity sets in the house!)
I suggest getting the video GOD MADE CHRISTMAS by BabyFaith. You can get it at a Christian bookstore or order it online by googling. It is the ideal way to teach your daughter that while presents are perfectly fine and exciting, the greatest Gift of all is Jesus. My son is almost 2, and requests to watch it daily by saying, "God Made Sismas!" :-)
books, books, books!
Get some children's Christmas books that explain Christmas--and start reading them now. My son is 2 1/2 and we, like you do not attend church, so I've gotten a few different books, not just about Christ, but other meanings as well: giving not receiving, etc.
Just do a search for amazon books with Christmas and you will see some great kids books that look at Christmas from all different angles, but all with a positive message--anything from God Gave us Christmas by Lisa T. Bergren and David Hohn from the Grinch that Stole Christmas--find some that fit your family and beleifs!
This is also a good time to start introducing some family traditions at Christmas. One of the ones my family did growing up was that we took turns opening presents instead of a giant free for all--this enabled the gift receiver to properly thank the gift giver. Another really good tradition to do is to have you and your family take part in some charity donation drive. This can be as simple as picking out a toy for a needy child from the Publix Christmas tree to doing something for Habitat for Humanity, children learn from example, so having the entire family take part in something like that--really helps them learn!
There is a church in Casselberry that offers the walk through Bethlehem. It is a neat way to experience what the real Christmas might have been like. Beforehand you could tell her the Christmas story. Read it from the Bible and explain it afterward.
I suggest going to the library and asking the librarian in the children's section for some book suggestions
N., There is a wonderful thing they do every year called "A Walk Thru Bethlehem" it is in Longwood by 434 and 17-92. You walk thru and it is all about the meaning of christmas not gifts. Last time I took my son they even had a real baby in the manger. I think it would be a great way to introduce her to christmas and something the 2 or 3 of you can look forward to every year. It is big. You don't have to go to church.I don't. Except at christmas because my mother sings in the choir at northland. Enjoy you'll love it.
Go to a Christian bookstore (even regular stores like Wal-mart etc. will have this, but maybe not as much selection). Get anything VeggieTales. They have a great video about Christmas and how it is not all about toys. Then you can talk to her more about it since she may not understand the entire video. They also have great books, etc. It is worth the money. I recommend Long's in College Park or Family Christian Bookstores (I think that is what it is called) on Colonial in the Barnes and Noble plaza off Bumby. Merry Christmas! God bless you.
Hello N.
Maybe giving gifts to children in the childrens home or in other countries through a church. My children, 2yrs & 4yrs old, understand the meaning of Christmas. Of course, it's normal for them to ask for gifts. We have given my children's small clothes to the children in children homes, friends, relatives and others in need. My children love to give, yet they still like to receive. They like giving more than receiving though. I have explained it to them throughout the years. It's not a quick thing. I have not robbed them away from believing in Santa. I grew up telling other kids that Santa was not real and wished that I believed. My children's school had a big event where they filled shoe boxes with toys for children overseas. Oh my, all of the children were into it and loved it. We also took our children Christmas shopping for their godbrothers and cousins. They were calm at first, but then wanted gifts for them. We explained to them that we must give and that God will bless us for that in many ways. At this time, they only have one item on their wish list. It's wrapped up and under our Christmas tree. They have no idea that the gifts are for them. My daughter loves Dora, but we had to do some research because some of the Dora toys have the lead that's just a mess. I hope that it works out for you.
Oh yeah, we attend the River of Life Christian Center www.rolcc.tv I'm not a religious person at all. I believe in God and try to please Him in all that I do. This is a great church for family.
Have a blessed day.
L.
N.-- I really love the Christmas special "A Charlie Brown Christmas". While the kids are rehearsing for the Christmas pageant, and Charlie Brown has become very discouraged about the commercialism of Christmas, Linus comes onstage and tells Charlie Brown about the real meaning of Christmas. He quotes the story of Jesus's birth. It's so sweet. I love to hear it told in a child's voice. Your little girl might not understand the biblical language, but you could follow it up with a picture book that shows Baby Jesus in the manger. I also love "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." It doesn't necessarily have a religious overtone, but I love that the Grinch realizes that Christmas comes "without ribbons...without tags... without packages, boxes, or bags." The Whos still join hands and sing, even without any presents, because it's still Christmas and they're still together. So the Grinch concludes, "Maybe Christmas... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more." The picture book is nice, but I have a special place in my heart for the cartoon--the music is so sweet, and you've gotta love Max the dog and Cindy-Lou Who. Hope you like these!
~B.
