What do your children know about Christmas?  Hanukkah?  Kwanzaa?

As the holidays are upon us, it is easy to get distracted by all of the food, parties and gifts.  However it is important to take the time to teach children about this special time of year.  When I asked my daughter why we celebrate Christmas she said, “So Santa can bring us presents.”  Obviously we need to have the “true meaning of Christmas” talk at our house.

It is also important to take the time to educate your children about other holidays and cultures celebrated throughout the world.  Children today have friends and classmates from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.  Therefore it is important for them to know what holidays are celebrated and why they are celebrated.

Tip of the Day:

Teach your children about the various holidays celebrated this time of year.

- Look at the list of holidays celebrated in December and January on this site: Education World

- Take the time to learn a few important facts about each holiday and share them with your children: Multicultural Holidays

- Write the holidays on the calendar.  As the holiday approaches you can discuss it.

- Do activities related to the different holidays:  Winter Holiday Links

- Check out books from the library about holidays around the world.