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Happy Holidays - Educating Your Child About What Matters Most
Monday, December 12, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Whatever you celebrate, chances are that you and your family are immersed in full blown holiday hoopla.
My question is this: "Is your child really learning anything from all your holiday fun?"
Does it matter what they learn? At this age and stage, what are your expectations?
I spent the morning with 7 preschoolers, aged 3 to 5 years. As the mama to one of these kiddos, I find much amusement surrounded by multiple kids of this age. They seem to be sponges, acquiring knowledge by the minute, but with their own "unique" interpretations. Why was I with this gaggle of goofy preschoolers? I was volunteering, teaching preschool, at our local Unitarian Universalist church. I enjoy learning about the many religions through the eyes of the munchkins.
This morning's kiddo story pondered the question, "What if Christmas Eve happened today?" It was a cute little tale that took the traditional story of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus and assimilated it into today's pop culture. Imagine Joseph driving a used car, trying to find the local hospital, only to be guided by a bright shining star - a gas station's logo - where Mary ends up giving birth as they cannot reach a hospital in time. Of course, there is more to that story, but for the purposes of this blog entry, I'll spare you the details. You can imagine where this story may go from here.
Following this story and surrounded by excited kids, I inquired about their holiday traditions and miscellaneous fun.
Most kids quickly interjected tidbits about their decorating, holiday treats, and other family fun excursions.
All the munchkins shared elements of traditional Christmas celebrations.
Then I asked, "Why does your family celebrate Christmas?"
They were actually quiet. For a moment.
We came full circle round to that modern day story of Christmas Eve and segued into the traditional story of Christmas Eve and the birth of Jesus. The bottom line we were trying to communicate is that Christmas is a time to celebrate the miracle of birth. Whether the children's families were Christian or other, didn't matter at the moment. What did matter, was knowing they were involved in various aspects of Christmas traditions. We were trying to educate them on the "WHY" we have some of these traditions. The MEANING behind the hoopla.
When it comes to the holidays, I embrace traditions. I love putting up our tree the day after Thanksgiving. I love our holiday openhouse with friends and family. I love a winter's walk in our downtown adorned with holiday lights. I love Christmas morning and seeing my daughter's eyes light up when she sees the joy Santa has brought.
Just as important as these traditions, is educating my child about WHY we celebrate. I'm learning with her, so although many of our traditions are linked with Christmas, I also look forward to sharing the meaning and, even perhaps, acquiring some of the traditions of other holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
What are you celebrating this holiday season?
How are you teaching your child about the meaning behind your holiday happenings?
Happy holidays to all - no matter what you are celebrating this season!
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