No doubt, Christmas is a famous holiday, with over 2 billion individuals in over 160 countries worldwide celebrating it. The 2019 Gallup poll reported that 93 percent of Americans celebrated Christmas that year. Christmas usually starts before the weather changes, with tree lights hitting the shelves as early as August or September.
However, individuals and families who don't celebrate the holiday mentioned above can be overwhelmed as holiday decorations surround them for months. It might even feel exclusionary, particularly if young children wonder why they don't share the same customs as their schoolmates or classmates.
Christmas is a festival that encourages one to celebrate love for family, cheer, warmth, and selflessness. Many parents celebrate such a holiday in which kids learn how different traditions and beliefs celebrate the festival while imbibing a sense of religious tolerance in them.
Moreover, it's imperative for juveniles to fully understand the reason behind not celebrating the holiday, so kids will also be knowledgeable enough in terms of the holiday, including beliefs.
Discussing the matter with the children
When you're a parent of a young child, it's understandably challenging to discuss the matter as kids would have already wondered why they don't put Christmas or tree lights with their parents like what their classmates normally do with their parents and loved ones.
Kids might also wonder why they don't have a Christmas tree in their living room while other kids have gifts under the tree and a wishlist as they are waiting for a visit from Santa.
Janika Veasley, a Pennsylvania-based licensed marriage and family therapist, advise parents to discuss the matter with their children to understand that all families are different due to diverse celebrations, beliefs, traditions, and holiday approaches. Regardless of their background and what religion they may celebrate.
Veasley noted that whether it's related to religion or not, an explanation allows children to externalize the said experience. Also, young ones must apprehend that being different is not something to be ashamed of, nor it means terrible.
Very Well Family says that every family is unique. Thus, every household has its own fantastic way of living.
Focusing on gratitude
Truthfully, explaining such a manner can be difficult, especially if they already became overwhelmed by what others have told them to do. Nonetheless, Veasly notes that parents still have other ways to reframe the Holiday season.
Suppose a specific family celebrates a religious holiday aside from Christmas. In that case, this could help to elucidate that kids can still receive presents such as Hanukkah, Eid, Kwanzaa, and other special occasions.
Plus, parents can be able to talk about the other possible fun traditions in your family will participate. Thus, in this way, kids will gradually understand that your family has different traditions and values that other families do not practice.
Furthermore, teach your children to focus more on gratitude rather than any comparison trap, which mainly focuses on what others do. Adapting an attitude of gratitude will help one focus on life's blessings instead of considering why family traditions and beliefs vary.
Nonetheless, 18 Doors suggests parents give kids an ear, especially when they ask about Christmas-related things.
