First, a little background info...
We have chosen to incorporate Santa Claus into our Christmas, but we also have chosen not to make him an important part of Christmas. Rather, we have chosen to focus on Christmas day as being the day of Christ's birth (although we realize that Dec. 25th is not the actual date of Christ's birth but rather just the date that the Romans had chosen to commemorate Christ's birth.)
This has been a difficult and conflicting issue for us as Christian parents. We desire to instill the true meaning of Christmas into our children, but we also want them to experience the magical side of Christmas that we remember experiencing as children.
This being said, we focus our Christmas discussions on Christ rather than Santa. We make it a point not to speak of Santa on a frequent basis. Yes, Santa's name is spoken occassionally, but we do not make it a point to talk about him and his reindeer. We do, however, let the kids watch Christmas cartoons, some of which do portray Santa Claus.
I really believe that this issue is a tough one for many Christian parents. However, I also believe that each family must practice what feels right to them. Pray and then follow your conscience. I will certainly not judge the decisions of other Christian families on how they decide to celebrate the Christmas holiday as I hope others will not judge how we have decided to celebrate.
Well, with all that being said, when I was searching for an Advent countdown, I knew I wanted something that was not secular. I wanted something that counted down to Christ, not Santa. I was thrilled when I found this beauty on Saint Patrick's Guild three years ago. Oh, how perfect it felt for us.
Behind each door is a little figure that has a part in the Christmas story. And guess what's behind the last door? Yes, it's the Christ child.
I wrap the figures in tissue paper. This makes it even more exciting for the kids.
Today we unwrapped the innkeeper.
Hmmm... I wonder who's behind door number 10?
3 comments:
I love that advent calendar. So beautiful!
Oh, how neat! I love it.
Love you advent calendar and your thoughts on balancing the secular with the Christian in Christmas. I think it is so important to keep our children balanced, it's a tough balancing act but you are on the right track...my opinion anyway!
Cathy
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