What is the best way to explain the true meaning of Christmas/Jesus to a 3 year old. I know to keep it simple, but I'm not sure how to word it! Any ideas? Nothing silly please!
2006-12-01 06:56:20 · 13 answers · asked by tonetones03 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I don't think they are going to understand too much. My daughter is 2 1/2 and only thinks of Santa. With my 6 year old we try to just tell him that Christmas is the day Jesus was born to take away all our sins (the bad things that we do) and we give gifts to each other to honor Jesus like the 3 wise men did when they brought gifts to Jesus. I know some people that make a birthday cake on Christmas day and sing happy birthday to Jesus to celebrate.
2006-12-01 07:01:28 · answer #1 · answered by party_pam 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He's more than likely too young to understand the concept of the Christian belief and that Jesus was born to save us, but I'm sure he understands Birthday Parties! Instead of making it about presents all morning, go ahead and bake a birthday cake for Jesus and write Jesus a BD card. You may even take him to pick out a few presents to give to other kids - friends, siblings, red cross - and tell him every time you are giving someone a gift you are giving it to Jesus and Jesus likes to get lots of presents just like you! The best thing is to make your beliefs important all year long. As he grows up he will learn all the details and what decisions he may need to make about his own beliefs. Try getting a book to read. Best of Luck! Merry Christmas!
2006-12-01 18:26:41 · answer #2 · answered by Concerned Mom 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good book: Here is the story of the birth of Jesus and the original reason behind Christmas told in a simple manner that toddlers will understand, in a compact board book version.
The Story of Christmas by Patricia Pingry.
2006-12-01 15:08:05 · answer #3 · answered by teamnote 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Simple is right. Takes time. A colorful story book can be a good source. Read & point out whose, who. When you put the Nativity scene together tell the story as you do. While he may not quite understand now you are laying the ground work. Next yr. he will understand more & as each yr. goes by that knowledge will grow. Next yr. try him telling you the story in his way. Don't even correct him, Just read again the stories. Amazing what gets stored in those little heads. They are so beautiful. Since they are Gods angels He understands their innocenece, & I think appreciates your efforts.
2006-12-01 15:06:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I like the above idea of getting a simple children's book about the Christmas story.
Explain to him that it's Jesus' birthday and that's why we celebrate. Maybe get a nativity set and show him all the characters.
2006-12-01 15:04:38 · answer #5 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
My friend baked a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas and sang Happy Birthday.
Explanation: Jesus isn't alive on earth now but he is in our hearts. He was a very important man who changed the world for everyone. He was so important that we celebrate his birthday even though he was born long before anybody that we know
2006-12-01 15:00:53 · answer #6 · answered by kramerdnewf 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Christmas is an adaptation of a pagan ritual to celebrate the coming of the new year. It has now been adapted to become a crucial part of the western world's economy. Economics require that we spend lots of money at the end of the year in order to show that we care for each other. Easy.
2006-12-02 01:54:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I began when my kids were little just explaining that Christmas is Jesus' birthday. That was "enough" for them at that age. Then as they get older I added more information. Happy Holidays!
2006-12-01 15:54:26 · answer #8 · answered by dmommab@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't lie to them. The worst abuse one can do to a child is to insist on the irrational. The idea that a beautiful holiday based on the seasonal lack of food and families coming together to share their supplies has something to do with some mystical birth and immoral pathetic sacrifice would be laughable if it wasn't so pervasive. The opposite of charity is justice.
2006-12-01 15:13:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
They have a book about Jesus birth I would try something like that
2006-12-01 15:01:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋