| 1. |
Help my kids and myself to realize that Christmas is about Jesus and not about gifts. Yes it is usually the time that we see family and that is great too. Just don't like then thinking that it is the big expensive gifts. |
| 2. |
We worship as a family on Christmas eve and Christmas day |
| 3. |
Emphasize family, homemade candies/bakery for gift-giving, and avoid commercialism as much as possible. Keep things as simple as possible. The Nativity is our central theme in thought word and deed. |
| 4. |
Unfortunately, we don't have hardly any ways of that, my children being teens, and us being a single parent home for the past 12 years. I tried to raise them in a godly fashion, but fell short somewhere. Otherwise, about the only way I can think of is the songs about Jesus, rather than just the typical Christmas songs. And, we go to church, which they hate. |
| 5. |
We participate in Christmas activities at church and read the Christmas story on Christmas Eve. |
| 6. |
by focusing on Jesus and not santa claus or snowmen themes and just letting them know he is the reason for the season!!!!!! |
| 7. |
I keep Christ in our family Christmas by attending special services at church. By reading Luke 2 from the bible with the kids. |
| 8. |
Worship together |
| 9. |
I remind myself everyday that this celebration is about Jesus. |
| 10. |
I make it known that it's not about presents and decorations, but Love and God. |
| 11. |
We always read the Gospel account of Christmas on Christmas morning. |
| 12. |
We always read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and pray together before opening gifts. We acknowledge that Jesus is the best gift ever, and that His grace allows us to be able to give material gifts to others. |
| 13. |
I don't have any Santa's displayed in my home, just nativity scenes. |
| 14. |
I teach my son that Santa is 'just for fun' and stress the true meaning. This year we rang bells for the Salvation Army; Jonah is 6 and not only had fun, but also felt good about doing something God wants us to do... help others. |
| 15. |
Other than attending Church Services on Chirstmas Eve. We always say prayers at meal time. (actually all the time) Keep it a special day. |
| 16. |
Just as Christ exemplified a servant heart for others, my 4 children and I follow His lead and volunteer on Christmas Day at our church of which prepares a dinner with open arms for any and all. Many different walks of life come thru the door. This in itself is a great lesson taught to my kids and I that we ALL are SO loved by Him no matter what,hence the reason He was born into this world...to serve and love every one of us completely! (First and formost salvation I must add.) For the next few hours,food is brought to the tables, thirst is quenched, smiles are passed while laughter is heard, and sympathy and compassion are given to those in need. My children and I also help deliver the much leftover food to area shelters! What a testimony of His care and grace extended for those in need, shelters and all. How consistent is He! A reminder needed daily of which is given beautifully at that time to my children and I. Yes, we can relate to needing help with food at times and will always remember the kindness shown. Isn't it amazing how God can allow things to happen so that later on we can truly say to someone "Hey, I understand" and leave it at that knowing volumes have been spoken with such few words. How He works is astounding and perfect! Jesus Christ has many attributes to continually study and embrace, this being a lifetime committment I'm sure, but you see,on Christmas Day, my children and I get a closer look at how critical it is to serve, show humbleness,and love others as He first loved us! I can honestly say, when the "welcomes" turn into "good-byes", the timid, quiet ones quickly make way for the door stomaches filled for another afternoon, little children leave with gravy on their faces and dessert a must on their shirt, the hot, fresh meals are packed and delivered to the shelters and thank yous" are spoken between tears and smiles, my heart is so full of gratitude toward the God whom I serve for sending His Son to be born in a manger. How can a life I wonder, not be changed in some small way when truly doing as He asks of us, this being one way of so many during Christmas time. So, this is how my 3 sons, daughter and I bring Christ into Christmas. A tradition only 3 years old I will add, yet such a powerful lesson learned each time. Each year we will vow someway, somehow to exemplify Him on Christmas day thru serving others. Presents are fun,I agree but the gift of giving to those less fortunate pales in comparison. God will provide the service if the heart is willing to follow! What a priviledge it is to be a Christian when truly grasping the whole concept of just why it is He did what He did.It is something that ought to take our breath away. Thanks for asking this question WEMY to all who listen... time for testimonies and an awesome chance to strengthen others around who truly do believe that He is the reason for the season! MERRY CHRISTMAS, Karen |
| 17. |
We display nativity scenes throughout our house, use a Jesse Tree, attend church, read Advent devotions, and I direct our church's Christmas pageant. We also say Merry Christmas whenever we can. Our friends of different religious traditions respect our beliefs, and we theirs. |
| 18. |
We keep it simple. We give each other 4 gifts. One to open Christmas Eve, to remind us of Jesus. On Christmas Day we give 3 gifts. Just like the magi, 3 men bringing 3 gifts. |
| 19. |
I make sure to display the nativity, and I've always told my children that it is Jesus' Birthday - not just a visit from "Santa". |
| 20. |
My sister and I decided not to buy gifts this year for each other - instead we filled Christmas boxes for Samaritians purse (did I spell that right?).. This was the first year we have done that. My husband and daughters do not share my beliefs (yet) - so I alway make sure to buy them a Christian book or CD - this year they are all getting bibles! They all have bibles already, but these have special covers and are study bibles. Hopefully they will open them up!.. I also take special care to pick out Christmas cards that have the message of Jesus - and I send those out to all my family and friends. |
| 21. |
Growing up we always had a birthday cake for baby Jesus. With my kids we always read the Christmas story in Matthew on Christmas eve and we place baby Jesus in the manager Christmas morning before the presents are opened |
| 22. |
I make sure that a lot of my decorations are with Christ in mind like the nativity set and angels. Play a lot of Christian carols, etc. Bake a birthday cake for Jesus to be eaten on Christmas day. |
| 23. |
saying " merry christmas" to others. knowing what christmas is really about. our savior being born!!! |
| 24. |
My son and I take time out and read scriptures, and listen to christmas music, and pray, we also go to churck |
| 25. |
"Keeping" Christ in Christmas is really not a task for us. We never let Him leave! |
| 26. |
Reminding them all that He is the reason for the season. If I ever have children, I would also like to have a birthday cake at Christmas to remind them. I also tell people that I don't want presents for Christmas. That isn't what it is about at all. |
| 27. |
Family Devotions; Advent candle arrangement; We adopt a family to buy Christmas gifts for through our church and donate to other programs such as care and share. We also love to sing-along or listen to Christmas carols throughout the entire season on Christian Family Radio. |
| 28. |
By attending Christmas services. reading the Bible, putting the focus and emphasis on Jesus's birth and what it means to us, listening to Christmas carols, supporting ministries that reach out to the poor or imprisoned |
| 29. |
by singing christmas songs and listening to your music with my mom and my exchange student |
| 30. |
We sing Christian carols. We send Christian cards. We try to help others and make gifts for friends and family. We worship and spend fellowship time and sing in the choir and have my son's Christmas program at church. We read stories about Jesus' birth. |
| 31. |
Keep up the daily practice of prayer and devotion. |
| 32. |
Making sure we have the Nativity set up and LIT! We may have Santa, snowmen and reindeer decorations, but the Nativity Set is always in the CENTER of the decorations and VERY WELL LIT to keep the emphasis on the true meaning of the season! Since we happen to celebrate so many family birthdays this month, we also stress the importance of Jesus' birthday as being a part of what we celebrate! |
| 33. |
Reading stories, decorating and talking about the meanings of things we put up - a nativity scene, cradle to the cross yard sign - Our TRUE guiding light (comparing to the story of Rudolph), going to church. |
| 34. |
read Luke 2 On Christmas eve and Listen to Christian Christmas music and Listen to WGNV |
