Many of us as Christians have the desire to make Christmas more about Christ. Most every year though we seem to go with the flow, promoting Santa and giving our loved ones way more than they need. In doing all this we end up promoting selfishness, materiallism, and utlimately a Christless Christmas. Let's try something new this year when it comes to gifts if you haven't already finished your Christmas shopping. If you have you could always start next year.
For starters try minimizing the gifts to three gifts per person. Let the gifts be intentional. One being something they want, two something they need, and then something to read. Bloger, AnneMarie John says, "by following the rule of only giving the three gifts, it can help teach children that less is more and that you do not need a stockpile of presents under the tree to be happy." She makes a great point and you could use this as a teachable moment for your children. Explain to them that happiness doesn't come from recieving things but true joy and happiness comes in knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior and serving Him. Which leads to my next point which is to make intentional time to serve others as a family. A few examples of this are: Matrix(local ministry), homeless ministry, widows and shut-ins, and nursing homes. Participating in things that help others takes the focus off of ourselves. The teachable moment would be to tell your children that when we serve others you are serving Christ. Matthew 25:35-40 says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Finally, talk through why Christmas is about Christ and make time to read through the Christmas story as a family.
Make a new tradition with your family this year and truly make Christmas about Christ!