Christmas – the most family focused event in the Christian side of the World’s religions.
They wait in anticipation for the coming of Christ, and celebrate his birth in a small barn somewhere in the outskirts of Bethlehem.
Perhaps not the most sanitary surroundings, but this is how Mary and Big Joe were rolling. In fact, clean healthy environments were probably very hard to find, as indoor plumbing was still fairly basic during the rise of the Roman empire. But I’m impressed Mary kept the sheets so white.
Today kids are eager with suspense as they wait for a fat dude to drop off a load of presents. Somehow the simple science that a obese old man can fit into a small chimney does not not deter kids from believing – and rightfully so. Santa is awesome and he loves to make kids happy (and some adults including me!).
How do you entertain kids from when school closes for the holidays, and how do you prevent them from searching the house in best Indiana Jones style, looking for the hidden presents? Do you actually admit that Santa does not exist? Although that would be lying to yourself too. Of course he exist 🙂
Our little family really enjoy the festive season. Every weekend is Christmas baking, thanks to my awesome wife, and spending time with the kids for Advent. They get a small Advent present, which they look forward to.
On the day itself, 24 December, which is day when we celebrate Christmas, the kids wake up super early. I mean ridiculously early. Much earlier and easier than on school days.
The day starts with movies, breakfast, and then more movies. It is the old classical movies such as ‘Jingle All the Way‘, ‘Home Alone 1+2‘, ‘Santa Clause‘, ‘Elf‘, ‘Sound of Music‘ and of course ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation‘ … the shitter is full.
It’s all about total relaxation, doing as little as possible and simply spend time with the family. All while eating 🙂
This year we introduced family board games. We wanted to encourage the kids to play board games instead of Xbox games. The beauty is that we can all participate, and nothing wrong with teaching kids competitiveness. Probably too early to introduce Risk to teach them World domination – maybe next year.
Later in the morning, we start making cookies while I prepare the traditional Christmas dinner. Kids get the chance to help, but they seem more interested in playing games.
It’s not that hard entertaining the kids. You just need to participate and have fun. Not rocket science really. Merry Christmas y’all!
What do you do while we wait for Christmas dinner and the imminent arrival of Santa?