” or handing our childrentoy catalogues to keep them occupied while we repeat “Maybelater, sweetie” more frequently than we realize.As parents, we all strive to build family traditions andmemories our children will cherish. The trouble starts when welet ourselves become so wrapped up in creating those specialmoments that we forget what our children will really treasure –time with their parents. This holiday season, take a few quietmoments throughout the day to emphasize the “sacred” side ofChristmas, the “reason for the season”. The following are a few suggestions for helping you to cherishthis quiet family time leading up to Christmas:•Take time to read stories about the real meaning of Christmas:Nearly every home contains a family Bible and Christmas is theperfect time to explore scripture with your child. Simply openyour Bible to the beginning verses of each of the...

... four gospelsand start reading. Let older children take turns and read a fewverses each night in the days leading up to Christmas, or readthe entire story on Christmas Eve prior to opening presents.•Christmas Carols: The malls are filled with songs about Santa,reindeer and chestnuts – fill you home with traditional,religious Christmas carols. Turn on a favorite Christmas CD (mypersonal favorite is O Night Divine by Cousins in Christ –http://www.roseofsharonmedia.com ), dim the lights, and snugglein front of a fire (or candle) with your kiddos – keep CDs inthe car for those hectic hours caught in traffic. And mostimportantly, sing along!!! •Christmas crafts and activities: Forthose moments when mom needs some quiet time to wrap, addresscards or just unwind, hand your child a Christmas themedcoloring picture (with a manger scene rather than a wrappedpresent) and invite her to color a picture for Grandma, yourpastor, or a special teacher or friend. A large selection ofspiritually related coloring pictures are available athttp://www.christiancoloring.com •Go to Church: For manyfamilies, attendance at Christmas services is one of the fewtimes all year that they attend a religious service. This year,try visiting Church as frequently as possible prior to theholidays to help your child truly understand the meaning ofChristmas as we embrace and celebrate the birth of our Savior.Many churches have beautiful Nativity displays available forviewing – your child will remember his visits with Baby Jesus asa special precursor to the holidays. Please join me and myfamily in praying for peace in our world as we near Christmas.The ideas are limitless, but the intention is one we all share –to create special, meaningful memories for our children as wehelp them grow in mind and body. Think back to your ownchildhood and remember those things that stand out in your mindabout Christmas. My own family traditions growing up includedour family Christmas play, a simple, costumeless rendition ofthe Nativity, which was performed for family and friends eachChristmas Eve. I can’t tell you what I received as a present anyof those years, but I can recite every line of that play!Treasure your child this season as you cherish the true meaningof Christmas together.Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons and webmaster of numerousweb sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com andhttp://www.christiancoloring.com...