By Delorus Quintal

Christmas, I remember as a kid, always used to be something really magical.

I remember the eager anticipation of Father Christmas to leave presents in my stockings on Christmas Eve. While we had all the family gifts under the tree, each of us also had a stocking hanging from the fireplace lintel. And somehow by the morning those we always full of small treats that simply must have come from Father Christmas himself!

Along with all the other traditions that we kept, it was a time of excitement and wonder.

And there was a tradition that if you had been bad through the year, instead of presents, you might just receive a lump of coal, or a bag of salt.

All of us kids would be secretly wondering and hoping for the best.

That bit of uncertainty added yet more magic and mystique to the whole event. It was not just a "given" that there would be heaps of presents on Christmas day - Santa really did check his list twice!

Isn't that what Christmas should be about for children? Isn't that why, in the famous response to Virginia's letter, Francis Church said "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,"? He knew that the magic of Christmas was what mattered, and certainly didn't want to spoil that.

So what happened to the Christmas spirit?

Now, instead of Christmas carols sung by lamplight at our door by volunteers collecting for charity, we have tinny xmas jingles (yes, Christ has even been removed from Christmas and replaced by X, an unknown quantity).

Instead the commercials just scream buy, buy, buy, as though spending more and getting more will make the season special. But all that produces is stress and debt.

Sure, there is a frantic unwrapping of presents, followed by... Nothing. No magic. No wonder. No Warm Fuzzies. Just a heap of wrapping paper, and a collection of toys, some of which met with approval, and many of which did not.

So, how about, this year, bringing some of that magic back for your children? You don't have to spend a heap of money to make Christmas magical. All it takes is a bit of planning, and a bit of time. Here are some suggestions:

Look in your local paper and see if there is a Christmas show or other event you could all attend.

Go to a carols by candlelight service.

Or what about driving around our neighborhood and taking a vote on the house with the best Christmas decorations and illuminations?

Then set aside a whole afternoon to bake gingerbread cookies - or even a full gingerbread house. They will remember that for years to come - certainly longer than the latest battery operated toy.

If you live near snow - take some time off together and have a snowball fight, or go sledding, cross-country skiing, or even try and build an igloo. Above all remember just to have some simple FUN!

Turn off the TV and play a game together - maybe a board game or, if you really want a laugh, do something like charades, Pictionary or Cranium.

A great family tradition is, of course, the classic movies such as Miracle on 34th street, It's a Wonderful Life, and even the modern Santa Clause series. Get out the popcorn, load up the drinks, and settle down for a fun evening.

Then, when it is time to open the presents, take your time. Do them one by one, so everyone can share in the joy of giving and receiving as each gets to see what everyone else gave and got. Then, after Christmas Dinner, take a walk together, or visit friends or relatives.

And, if you really must use your computer - well, why not have Santa Claus send your children a free, colorful email greeting from the North Pole? You can set that up at:

http://good-child-guide.com/email_from_santa/ (And you will get some free gifts for yourself too).

Bottom line? Take time to enjoy the season. Make an effort to do things that will lay down memories, and that will be magical for your kids. May you have a very merry Christmas.

About the Author

Delorus Quintal is webmaster for Hot Christmas! where you can find more articles and tips to make your Christmas truly special.