"Mom, what's Kwanzaa?" Parents can use the Web to answer that question in a fun and educational way. "Well honey, Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration that starts the day after Christmas. We can find out more about it on the Internet. Let's look."
Another question that some parents hear this time of year is "What is Hanukkah?" Of course, most people know that Chanukah is a Jewish holiday in December, but do your children really know about the miraculous events that have been honored through history?
If you would like to introduce your child to the different cultures all around her, you have a tremendous resource on the Web. I believe in teaching my children to respect and enjoy differences among people and cultures. That's what makes this world interesting. Children are naturally interested in how children celebrate Christmas in other countries. I love the story of the poinsetta from Mexico and the legend of the evergreen tree from Germany.
You can learn more by reading and exploring worldwide Christmas traditions.
- Christmas at The History Channel
- Christmas World
- Christian Valley School's Christmas Web site (includes histories of Christmas hymns)
Christmas is a time to remember the words of the angels who said "and on earth peace, good will toward men". Christ teaches us that the responsibility for spreading the good news rests with each of us with the help of the Holy Spirit. The most important place to begin is with our own children and families. So, take the opportunity this Christmas to teach your children that peace begins with understanding that the message of Christ is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind, and to love our neighbors as ourself.
