Should I say something or just stay out of it re: Christmas see ? below?

Question

Christmas is very speical to me and has a lot of spiriutal meaning for me. One of my realtives my husband and I are spedning christmas with has 3 kids and all they do is talk about Santa santa bringing gifts, santa coming down the chimeny santa this santa that and they dont even go to church on Christmas eve and/or Christmas day. It gets annoying hearing about Santa all the time
should I mention to my relative that Christmas is about Jesus and maybe they should incorporate some of thier traditions to include the nativity or the christmas story or the true meaning of christmas. Should I say something to her or just leave this alone?

When the kids get older and the Santa thing wears off they are not going to have a spriritual base to have Christmas on, I just think they are being farytaled to death about this and be very disappointed.

I just feel being in my 30s that christmas is more than just store wide sales gifts and Santa.

Answer 1

I went though this when my child was small, so I compromised. I read the Christmas story from the Bible, we prayed before presents were opened and let them know that Santa is a symbol of Christmas, but Jesus is the reason for Christmas. Keep it light so that you don't have an argument, but you were put here to be the light of the world. I am proud of you for standing your ground.

Answer 2

I agree with the others on this. Christmas is celebrated all over the world as a secular festival. Most people are not believing Christians, so the Christmas story can have no significance for them. I'm sure you know that Christmas was appropriated by the Church from a pagan festival celebrating the sun. You can celebrate Christmas in your own way, every day of the year if you want. But for the sake of peace, when you visit your relatives, let the kids have their own Christmas.

Answer 3

If their mom wouldn't mind, share a story with them. Tell them what you believe Christmas means as simply as you can. Just to add to what they are believing. It will be enough to peek their curiousity and they may ask more questions. It would not be fair for you to open up a subject that there own family would not be willing to go further with. I know how you feel about Our Lord and The Day we Celebrate, I know all of its meaning, but these children need an ongoing dialog to really know what it is about. As they grow they will start asking more and more questions, and then more can be reveiled to them. Keep it simple right now, and do not offend their parents by being critical. We all learn the truth sooner or later. Your own words "being in my 30's Christmas is more than just Store Sales" These are children, they have time to get it. Take Care.

Answer 4

Why don't you ask the parents if you can read the Christmas story before dinner. It's short and sweet. No need for a sermon, just a simple prayer.

If you ask her, I'm sure she would say okay. And if you leave it alone at that and not subject anymore, it will probably leave more of an impact than any sermon or lecture.

If she says no, then no it is. Don't get involved. Not everyone believes in what we believe. Don't try to change their Christmas...

OR

You can ask the parents if you can bring candy canes to put on the tree and tell the "candy cane story"

But don't do both okay. It may not be welcome (but maybe it will be - pray on it, don't force it)

Answer 5

Maybe you can suggest reading the real Christmas story on Christmas eve or Christmas day. I would not push it down their throats. I enjoy the true meaning of christmas also. Jesus is the reason for the season. Santa is also important to the children becasue of the presents, but they need to know that the real reason to celebrate is Jesus.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Your best bet is to buy a book about the nativity, and read it to the children on Christmas eve or morning, stating that it has always been a tradition in YOUR family. However, you then will have to do this forever( not really a bad thing). And then give the book to thechildren so they can start their own tradition.

Answer 8

I understand where you are coming from but if you are in her house I would not say a thing. Maybe you could do a story book about Jesus and print it off for her kids so they know the reason for the season type thing. That way you aren't really stepping on any toes, and yet you are putting the options out there.

Answer 9

compromise and read Charlie Brown's Christmas to them? I honestly don't believe pushing religion on anyone, especially when they aren't your own children. It really is all about Santa for them right now. But maybe reading or watching Charlie Brown may make them think a little and perhaps you feel better too? After all Linus got it didn't he?

Answer 10

Maybe you could do Christmas at your house where you could emphasize the true meaning of Christmas (as you and I see it)!
This way, you could display nativity scenes, etc. and maybe get the opportunity to tell the children about Jesus because, children are by nature, curious and will ask about the displays that you have.