Published by There is no escaping the commercialism of Christmas for most of us, so use the commercial symbols to help your child understand the real meaning of Christmas.
Concrete ideas
Most young children are concrete in their thinking until somewhere after five or six years of age. Math manipulatives are standard faire when teaching addition and subtraction. As a child matures and broadens their sense of what math is all about, the manipulatives drop by the wayside unnoticed. The basic math concepts, however, stay with the child for life.
Comparisons
Using concrete Christmas symbols has a useful corollary with using concrete math items. I understand the origins of common Christmas symbols. Don’t misunderstand me; I am suggesting using these as an introduction to bigger and more important concepts with children in the concrete stages of thinking.
Concepts
We desperately try to help young children learn about giving from the heart, loving unconditionally, the real gifts of the season, but often cannot get them past the commercialism. Maybe we should parlay the commercial symbols into more meaningful symbols rather than ignoring them.
Helping your children make gifts or visit those who may not otherwise have visitors this season puts gift giving in a very different light for them. Thanking God for creating the beautiful trees and stars for us to admire is more meaningful than just decorating.
Many Christians already carefully choose the books and stories read during this season. Only a few of the television specials are Christ-centered, so those are often censored out as well. The original nativity story is exciting and helps the child develop a more appropriate appreciation for the season.
Ending the Corollary
There will be time as a child develops into more abstract thinking to introduce the origins of commercial Christmas symbols. Just like the math manipulatives, the superficial learning tools will go by the wayside, but the heart will still praise the season. As your children reflect past seasons, they will be reminded of all that was done and given by thankful hearts for the glory of God.
