It should not be difficult to explain to our children that Christmas is about the birth of Christ and wishing others a Merry Christmas is wishing others well during this special season. So when did Merry Christmas become a ” bad word” in some cases and how can we still maintain the reason for the season in our homes?

Follow your heart in your home and honour the birth of Christ as a celebration with your family traditions. Food, gifts, fellowship, and all that goes with the season should be a reminder of why we celebrate. You remember the why as you give to others, visit someone lonely during this season, or share a goodie tray with a neighbor. Keeping Christ at the center of the celebration shows your child the why of Christmas.

Insist on wishing others Merry Christmas no matter if they speak of it in other terms like “happy holidays” or some other “non-Christian” holiday greeting. For Christians, it is a Merry Christmas and your children will learn by your example to stand strong for that belief.

Respect others during this season and never show distaste or anger towards others. While some may celebrate for other reasons and may not understand or accept our Jesus, once we have accepted Christ as our Savior we are obligated to respect and treat others as Christ would treat them. It doesn’t mean that we change our beliefs but it means that we show the love of Christ in our acceptance and respect for them. God will handle the rest.

So even though many are too timid or simply don’t remember or understand why we celebrate Christmas, we who know Jesus and celebrate His birth will continue to wish others a Merry Christmas without fear or shame. And that is how we show our children to practice what we believe.

Merry Christmas.