Teach Your Children The Value Of Family At Christmas Time

In this post we suggest a few recommendations to teach your children the value of family at Christmas time.

Since we were little we usually attribute the meaning of Christmas to gifts, parties, Christmas bonuses and trips; But sometimes we put aside the most important element: the family. This is the fundamental pillar of our lives and it deserves that we give it its rightful place on our list of priorities.

“I want everyone to leave!” This is the Christmas wish of Kevin McCallister, played by actor Macaulay Culkin, in the movie “Home Alone” which was titled for Spain and Latin America as Solo en Casa and Mi Pobre Angelito , respectively.

The film from the 90s that is seen by millions of people around the world every year, is a faithful family portrait, in which the negative aspects of living with other people are not excluded: arguments, scolding, yelling, annoying uncles and disobedient children. We may think, do our families escape this reality? We assume not, unless they are from another planet.

As we know that each of our families is no exception, because we all have defects, it is important to teach our children to appreciate the company of their siblings, cousins, uncles and grandparents.

We are all different but we have love in common

Our children must know from an early age that the fact that each of us is different from the other  does not mean that we cannot live in harmony and that we do not have the possibility of being happy together. Of course it is! The family can do everything!

The truth is that it is not uncommon to focus on the defects of our relatives and discuss with them every time we have the opportunity, but above those disagreements there is only something truly important: it is about the people that life gave us to travel through it.

Without family, absolutely everything would be boring and even unbearable. Let’s think for a moment that on Christmas night, in all the houses around us, families celebrate at large tables, toasting the joy of having each other while we are alone. Nothing fun, right?

The best gift: the value of family

We all dream of receiving the best gift, and as we grow up we strive to give our children the greatest gift, so we spend time and money looking for the hottest doll or the fastest remote control car.

We completely forget that these material implements will never replace the love and respect that should reign in every family.

A simple token of affection, such as a kiss, a hug, or a word of encouragement brings joy and exhilaration. At the same time, recognition for the effort of the other, good treatment and giving an apology when a mistake is made are unmistakable demonstrations of respect, and this is always well received by everyone.

 What is the best gift? It’s about forgiveness

That liberating gift that heals both those who forgive and those who are forgiven. No matter the magnitude of the injury that we have received from a family member, knowing how to leave everything behind and make room for reconciliation is a noble gesture that will only bring positive consequences. This is the great teaching that we can provide to our offspring.

We must bear in mind that the recognition of a mistake is useless if the forgiveness we seek is not found. If the other person is not willing to forgive, we will think that it is not worth it to be sorry for our bad actions and we will continue life without taking into consideration the feelings of others.

Forgiveness is a sign of maturity, of love and also the best example that living in harmony is possible

So since the family is a great treasure that we must protect and cultivate every day, we present you a list of tasks that will allow you to enjoy your loved ones.

Details to reinforce the value of family

• Make a list of those family members you haven’t seen for a long time and call them on the phone. Invite them home or visit them. Make sure your children find out about this plan so they can enjoy it.
• The most relevant objective is to share as a family. So make cookies, a bagel, or a Christmas cake; they will be the perfect excuse for everyone to sit at the table and share.
• Ask your children to brainstorm ideas to design Christmas cards for each member of the family. Drawing and describing them will be fun and they will love it.
• When you’re reunited, try being kids again. Play, dance and be happy. The little ones in the house will not dislike when adults behave like little ones.

The family, like all treasures, can die out over time, so feel free to tell your children how important it is to take advantage of it while they are blessed with loved people to laugh and cry with. And most importantly, teach them that they should not value it only in these parties but each and every day of the year.