Most families get so wrapped up celebrating Christmas, they miss the celebration of Epiphany. Epiphany is the time period after Christmas where we look at the coming on the Wise Men to worship Christ. Historically, the holiday Epiphany included the twelve days after Christmas when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the Light of the world and recalls the journey of the magi.
Many families outside the United States begin the celebration of Epiphany by thinking of others on St. Stephens Day. December 26 is St. Stephen's Day, in honor of Stephen the first martyr of the Christian faith. Family Bible reading on December 26 might include his story in Acts 6, 7, & 8.
His convictions about the revelation of Christ in the world brought about his death. In the book of Acts, he was considered the first martyr among Christians. For hundreds of years, people of the Christian faith have remembered his faithfulness on December 26, the day after Christmas. This day marks a day for selfless care for people in need, the unwanted, who have no people to love them.
With your family, you might go out and help a needy family or join a local charity group to render services on the day after Christmas. During this time most families are out shopping and going after Christmas sales. You can make a difference in your community by bringing food boxes or presents to a family in need.
In Britain and Canada, this day is called Boxing Day, an official holiday in Britain. When my kids first heard of Boxing Day, they thought it was a celebration of those who box as a sport. They were surprised at the true meaning of Boxing Day.
On this day boxes of food are to be delivered to the needy, and in days gone by were given to servants from their employers. The spirit of Wenceslaus is demonstrated so that the entire community may celebrate with joy the manifestation of the Good News of Christ's birth.
Often churches organize the day to particularly serve the physical and spiritual needs of their neighbors and thus demonstrate that God's Word requires good deeds to others nearby. Boxing Day is one of those very visible ways to show the true gospel.
Gift-giving season has begun. If you’re like me, you fantasize about the moment your children open their gifts: their faces light up with surprise and excitement, they give you a hug and say, “Thanks, I love it!" To reach that moment, however, we often have to survive that special time of year many parents dread: The Holiday Gimmees. We see the Gimmees when our children see another toy commercial, whine or throw a tantrum in a crowded store because, heaven forbid, the gift we just bought wasn’t for them! By the time we are wrapping gifts we often feel more like Scrooge than Santa, having heard all the creative ways our children can finish the sentence “I want . . ." To tame the Gimmees and instill the spirit of giving in your children, try some of these ideas:
When children point out something they want, suggest they add it to their wish list or remind them whom you are shopping for and ask, “What would he/she like?"
Have children set priorities with their wish list. What are the top two or three gifts they definitely want? Help them decide with questions like, “How is this different from what you already have?" or “What could you do with this that would make you want to use it after the first day?"
Resist the trappings of “affluenza," regardless of what you can afford or what you think your children want. It’s important for parents to set limits, not for monetary reasons but for ethical and developmental reasons.
Select gifts based on children’s individual needs and interests. Don’t add junk to one child’s loot just to “even the score" or spend exactly the same amount of money on each.
Resist getting caught up in the latest toy craze. “Everybody has one" or “Johnny’s mom lets him . . ." is an excuse you’ve countered before. Consider who really wants the child to have this gift, you or the child? Your child may actually like a different toy even more!
Children can feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of presents they gain. Too many gifts can devalue the more special gifts they received. As a rule of thumb, if the pile of gifts is taller than your child, you’re probably giving too much.
Limit the number of gifts your children receive at once. Spread out the holiday cheer with several gift-opening gatherings.
Have an “out with the old, in with the new" policy. Encourage your children to donate gently used toys and clothes to those less fortunate. If it’s possible for them to directly give the gift or see the child’s reaction, it will have a profound effect.
Another lecture about “It’s better to give than to receive" can sound like an empty cliché to a child. Living this philosophy and involving children in the giving can deeply instill a spirit of generosity�"which children can practice all year long. If you want more insights, information and practical tools and tips about family holiday issues: Read these articles:
"Defeat the Dread of Family Gatherings".
Immunize Yourself Against Toxic People
Listen to the recording of the "Taming the Holiday Gimmees" teleseminar ($5) (available after 12/14/07)
Both Kerry Beck & Jody Pawel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kerry Beck has sinced written about articles on various topics from Divorce and Infidelity, Kids and Teens and How to Sell on Ebay. Kerry Beck wants to offer you her for your family's Christmas Celebration this season. Her book also provides the meaning. Kerry Beck's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Jody Pawel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel. Jody Johnston Pawel is a Licensed Social Worker, Certified Family Life Educator, second-generation parent educator, founder of The Family Network (http://www.daytonfamilynetwork.com), and President of Parents Toolshop Consulting (http//www.parentstoolshop. Jody Pawel's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.