Here's a cool WikiHow. I've posted a link to it before, but now WikiHow lets you post entire articles to your blog, I might post a few more of my favorites.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditTired of celebrating a consumer
Christmas, and want to celebrate in a way that reflects your religious beliefs? Here's how to reform your Christmas ritual.
Steps
- Consider not putting up a Christmas tree. The origins of the modern-day Christmas tree derive from pagan rituals occurring during the winter months. Cross-polination of beliefs has led to the celebration of Christmas including traditionally pagan concepts.
- Keep your decorations centered around the birth of Christ. Avoid things such as candy canes, reindeer, Santa Claus, and similar items. Keep your household decorations more "spiritual" and relevant to the holiday. Good ideas include a nativity scene, depiction of angels, and stars.
- In order to instill good values of gift-giving and sharing, only buy a gift for Christ. This is figurative: Instead of purchasing gifts for family and friends, consider spending the money on gifts or donations to charitable organizations for those less fortunate. Many families also choose to donate their time, as well as money, by volunteering in soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
- Keep your entertainment relevant to the origins of the holiday. Avoid music and television programs that center on the more commercialized aspects of Christmas (again, such as reindeer, Santa Claus, and so on). Unfortunately, this may prove more and more difficult as time passes. Consider purchasing your own music and movies for your personal collection.
- Inform your family and friends early on in the year that you plan on changing your Christmas celebrations. Let them know what and why you have chosen to change your pattern.
Tips
- If you plan on changing your celebrations dramatically, consider making the changes in steps with each year. One year, pass on putting up a tree. Another year, donate a portion of your gifts to charity.
- Figure out ways to keep Christmas special and fun for your family. Plan low- or no-cost activities and outings. Think of meaningful, personal gifts you could give them without spending any money, such as "coupon books" redeemable for favors or fun activities, or a letter listing the good things that person did this year and how special they are to you.
- Instead of saying "Sorry everyone, we're using our Christmas money for gifts to charity," consider having each family member purchase one or more gifts that they think a less fortunate person would enjoy. Donate those gifts to organizations such as "Toys for Tots," or the Salvation Army. Your family will make a more intimate connection with the items donated and the goodwill of giving.
- Santa, as he is perceived today, has little to do with the classical meaning of Christmas. If you have not introduced the concept of Santa to your children, you may way to consider not including it at all. Unfortunately, this can prove difficult in environments such as public schools and organizations that may encourage the use of the image of Santa Claus.
Warnings
- Some people may not agree with your beliefs, but you can choose how to celebrate the holidays.
- If you have celebrated a more conventional Christmas in the past, with presents and Santa and all the rest, the switch to a strictly religious Christmas could be very upsetting to your family, especially if you have young children.
- Be respectful of other people's traditions. People have their own way of celebrating Christmas, and many people do not celebrate Christmas at all. As much as you want to celebrate Christmas in your way, they want to celebrate it in theirs. Be understanding and respectful of how others celebrate, and enjoy that you can celebrate the way that you wish.
- Do not be angry or hurt if your child's school "teaches" them about convential Christmas. Treat it as a learning experience for your child. They can learn about all sorts of things without having to apply it. Teach them how to respond when teachers or other students ask questions or criticize them.
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