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25 Things I Want My Teen to Know about Christmas

Rachel Marie Martin has written up a list called “25 Things I Want My Kids to Know About Christmas.” Some items on the list include:

1. In our house, Christmas is about Jesus. That first. The rest follows.

2. The stuff goes away. Relationships do not.

9. The number of presents received does not matter.

14. Even if life isn't perfect there still can be beautiful and joyful moments.

15. Give to others first. And giving back isn't just a December thing - make it a year long thing.

21. You won't get everything you want. Be grateful for what you are blessed to receive.

In the accompanying blog post, she muses,

“It's not about stuff. When we lose focus then this Christmas season has the potential to become this crazy hectic want to pull our hair out month where we breathe the sigh of relief that it is January. And you know what else? Remember number fourteen - even if life isn't perfect or what you expect or all of that - there can still be good and joy. It's the little things. Look for the joy, the good, the wonder, and all of that first.”

Crosswalk contributor Janet Thompson expressed similar sentiments in an article about Thanksgiving and Black Friday where she prompted readers to ask, am I truly giving thanks, or just participating in a shopping frenzy? She writes,

“One of Satan’s greatest temptations is the lure of materialism: acquiring. Many will try to turn Thanksgiving into giving thanks for such a great deal or justify being good stewards of their money.”

After giving some suggestions on how handle the holiday shopping insanity, she finishes by saying,

“Enjoy and be content with what the Lord has given you this Thanksgiving. Be generous with your time, pray for wisdom and discernment in your acquisitions, and above all, share with everyone you meet the greatest ‘deal’ of all time—eternal life through believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

In her article “Possessed by Our Stuff” Laura Polk also takes a good look at materialism, and Kenny Luck’s “Holiday Treasures: 10 New Tradition Ideas” is another worthwhile Christmas-themed list to check out.

What do you want your kids to know about Christmas? Are you living a life more focused on materialism and consumerism, or on building family traditions centered on the birth of Christ?

Debbie Holloway is the Family Life Editor for Crosswalk.com

Publication date: December 3, 2013

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic