Five Ways to Focus on the True Meaning of Christmas

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

06 Nov 2006 09:55 PM

One of my least favorite things about Christmas is the commercialization that draws the attention away from the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is the day set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior. It is important that we remember that as we go throughout the holiday season. Through careful planning you can provide your family with a meaningful and uplifting holiday experience. It is important to schedule these events in early, so that they do not become neglected or pushed aside.

1) You should attend or put on a Nativity. This is fun activity for children, but it also brings the focus back to what Christmas is truly about. You can also have a nativity set in your home, and read the scriptures about the entire experience with your family leading up to Christmas. I enjoy reading from Luke the most.

2) Take the time as a family to give service to someone outside the home during the holiday season. This brings the feeling of love back into your home. The service can be simple. You may do the Twelve Days of Christmas for a lonely widow or elderly couple, or you may do a Sub for Santa for a needy family. You may decide to visit a nursing program and put on the nativity there.

3) You can go caroling as a family. You can sing the beautiful Christmas hymns that celebrate Christ's birth. This can be a lot of fun. If the weather is too cold to go outside, you may want to visit a nursing home, and carol in the halls.

4) Attend the church's Christmas broadcast. This is a wonderful event that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas. It is scheduled for December 3, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. MST. You can attend this at your local church building. The music is beautiful every year.

5) Sometime on Christmas Eve or Christmas take the time to have a family testimony meeting. You can share your testimony of the Savior with your children, as well as list the many blessings you are grateful for. This will be an uplifting experience for your family.

Related Articles: Helping Your Child Put "Christ" Back into Christmas

Primary Time: Christmas Activity

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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Nola Redd (7081) 09 Dec 2006 11:11 AM

Great ideas!

Miriam Caldwell (8030) 09 Dec 2006 07:41 PM

Thanks. Growing up my family always had the Nativity, and did the twelve days for someone. When I was in high school we started caroling on Christmas at a hospital. My mom is a nurse and works in Rehab wards, where not everyone gets to go home. It was nice to take Christmas to some people who couldn't go home for the day.