Making the Christmas Tree an Event
Cheryl Mayoss
Article provided by myMerryChristmas.com
For all children across the globe this is the most exciting and thrilling time of the year: from wondering what Santa will bring, to seeing Christmas trees that sparkle and getting to eat such wonderful treats. So this year bear in mind that for the little ones the build-up to the big day is just as important as anything and for a truly great Christmas that’s filled with fun and memories try and involve them from stage one.
Decorating the tree is an example of an activity that the whole family can share in and at the same time children can learn little lessons along the way.
Firstly get the tree and the decorations as a family. Some people store their Christmas goodies in their attics or basements. If this is so, let the children go with you to retrieve them, and when you find the ornaments let them help you dust each one individually. Taking care of things is a priceless lesson that children of all ages should learn. If, on the other hand you’re doing the mall thing try and go as early in the day as possible and avoid those frustrating queues. Nowadays the selection available is mind blowing.
Let your children help you select the decorations and the tree. Show them the range of choices, which ones you can afford and let them choose. Tinsel is important too and if old enough let your children hold it in the shop. All kids love the soft feel of it and touch is an important sense that must continually be developed. The amazing exhibitions that adorn the shops at this time of year could also give you some ideas and inspiration for your tree at home too.
Homemade decorations are another cheaper option that will keep the children busy during the holidays. One idea is to buy white figurines, different colors of paint and thin paintbrushes. Let them paint each one, but be sure to keep a watchful eye over the whole process, the clean up shouldn’t be so bad then.
Another idea is to take odd scraps of material and make them into colorful bows for the tree. Tinfoil stars are easy to make too. Nothing will make a child feel prouder than having their artwork displayed on the tree and pride is an essential part of childhood.
Wrapping presents is another activity that can occupy busy fingers but the end result is always less than pleasing. Alternatively, collect as many empty shoeboxes as possible and let the children wrap them. Pictures cut out of magazines can be stuck on or pictures can be drawn on the boxes with crayons. Place these ‘presents’ underneath the tree for a festive look then only add the real gifts on Christmas eve.
Early evening is probably the best time to start decorating. By this time the children are warm and snug in their jammies and their hands are clean from bathing. Playing soft Christmas carols in the background adds a nice touch too.
I always drape the lights around the tree first as it is much easier to do in the beginning than at the end. Divide the ornaments equally amongst the children, then let them come up one by one to hang it on the tree. A small stool makes getting near the top much easier. A nice tradition is to tell a story about each ornament explaining its significance on the tree and what it symbolizes.
Red striped candy ornaments can be explained as Santa’s favorite sweet in the whole world and it is shaped like a walking stick to reflect his age.
When all the pieces are dangling from the tree let everyone help you wind the tinsel around the branches. Finally take the angel that is to go on the top of the tree and let each child initial it on the inside. A fingerprint is just as good as a signature. Explain that in this way the angel can take their prayers to the sky.
Finally switch off all the main lights and let the bulbs on the tree twinkle. Another nice gesture at this point is for everyone to hold hands and stand around the tree. Place the emphasis on the circle you make and explain to the children, how your family is a circle, always whole and unbroken. A sense of stability instilled from a young age is so important.
But more important than anything else is the fact that Christmas is fun and decorating your tree can be so enjoyable. A little home with a lot of happiness is more appealing than a huge house with no love or laughter. Little traditions like doing it all together, and doing things in a certain sequence will remain with the child forever and memories make for great gifts!
ES: Encourage your children to take pictures of the event. It will be great to look back one day.
