ViVaPiNaY

With materialism rampant in our society, its hard for parents to explain the real meaning of Christmas to their children. One of the hardest things to explain to children in a truly Christian way is the real meaning and history behind Santa Claus. Here's how you can shed a holy light upon today's worldly version of Santa Claus.

Instructions:
Things you'll need:
- Knowledge of the real meaning of Christmas
- The true story of St. Nick

Step 1
First, you must stress to your children the real meaning of Christmas. Its not just another holiday. Its not just a time to give and get gifts while eating cookies together. We do all these things to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

Step 2
After your children have a firm grasp of the real meaning behind Christmas, you can then go on to explain how Santa Clause came into being. He is actually today's version of old time St. Nicholas who lived back in the third century and was known for his love for children and for helping the poor. Out of love for God, He is said to have left bags of money and other necessities at the homes of needy people during the night, so that they would wake up to a little bit of good fortune. Today we know Santa Claus as a jolly old man who takes toys out of his large bag and leaves them at the homes of good boys and girls on Christmas Eve. Simply explain to your children that just as St. Nick helped children long ago by bringing them gifts of food and clothing, today Santa Claus brings little children gifts of toys to brighten their day and spread the love of God.

Step 3
To further explain Santa Claus in a Christian way, you can also tell your children how much Santa Claus loves Jesus. Explain that because of his great love for Jesus, Santa wants to share his love by giving gifts to others to make them happy and help them celebrate the birthday of Jesus.