Ways to Teach Kids the True Meaning of the Holidays

1 Read Christmas Stories

Cozy up in bed and read Christmas stories to your kids. It's a great way to spend time together and hear warm tales about the magic and true meaning of the holiday.

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2 Write Christmas Cards

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Have your kids spread Christmas cheer by writing cards to their friends and family. They can get as creative as they'd like, and it's a great way for them to show their appreciation for people who have made an impact on their life in some way.

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3 Go to a Holiday Parade

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One of my favorite holiday traditions as a child was watching my town's parade of lights. It's a wonderful reminder for kids that even when people are different or don't agree on everything, they can still come together and celebrate.

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4 Teach Them to Bake

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Baking is a wonderful way to have fun with your kids while teaching them a new skill. Have them wrap up and give some of their finished goods to friends and family as a thoughtful gift, but save some for yourselves, of course!

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5 Create Traditions

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Instead of looking forward to gifts every Christmas, I look forward to the traditions my family has kept over the years. Maybe it's watching a certain movie on Christmas Eve or going to a special cafe for Christmas hot chocolate; each one can be so special for kids.

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6 Donate to a Food Bank

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Have your kids gather some canned goods and take them to the food bank. It can be eye opening for them to see how lucky they are to have warm food on the table and inspire them to help others as much as they can.

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7 Make Crafts

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The holidays are about having fun, so why not make some festive crafts to get everyone in the spirit? It's a great way to decorate your house with a personal touch, it will entertain your kids for hours, and it can be something you do together.

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8 Spend More Time Together as a Family

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The holidays can be so busy, but it's important to make uninterrupted time for each other. Go ice skating, take a walk in the snow, or head downtown to see the holiday department store windows. No matter what you do, make sure to keep your phone away and your attention on each other.

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9 See a Choir

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Even if you don't practice a religion, watching a choir can be a truly heartwarming experience and a favorite holiday tradition.

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10 Don't Overload Them

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It's OK to treat your kids to new things, especially if they've been good and earned a spot on the "nice" list. Buying them everything under the sun, however, may send the wrong message. It's important to talk to family members who are buying for your kids and agree on an appropriate amount of gifts.

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