MOM: MAKING MAGIC

Dec 2010 Issue

By Nettie H. Francis
I was in the 5th grade when I finally asked my Dad if Santa Claus was real. Dad shared the story, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, with me. Then he spent an hour giving a wonderful explanation of the magic of Christmas.

Christmas was indeed a magical time for our family—eleven children, a meager income, lots of warmth, homemade gifts, and many traditions made up our holiday season. As I matured in my Christmas understanding that year, I recognized not only the need to anticipate holidays, but to make the magic in a home.

In today’s cynical world, the magic of Christmas is often replaced with extravagant gifts or doubts about why we celebrate holidays. Some parents may even question whether or not Christmas traditions are worth the work and effort they require. However, opportunities to teach magic, joy and warmth to children are vital.

The memorable experiences of my childhood have convinced me that celebrating Christmas, making magic, and fostering family traditions are important responsibilities of parents. Now my husband and I have eight children, and over the years we have learned to make magic together. Here are a few tips for celebrating—and making—the most of your Christmas season.

WHY IS MAGIC IMPORTANT?

Some would do away with certain elements of Christmas, citing their non-biblical reference or pagan roots. However, it is my feeling that “everything which is good points to Christ.” I believe that most traditional elements of Christmas—including Santa Claus—are good, and therefore, a lovely ingredient in the magical Christmas potion.

In addition, family specialists cite the need for children and families to practice traditions. Throughout history, God’s people have always relied upon rituals to point them towards Christ. Therefore, customs within families—even holiday traditions—are vital to strengthening homes and teaching the gospel.

HOW IS MAGIC MADE?

Think Ahead – Magic generally takes some forethought. My childhood is filled with “magical memories,” made with just a bit of effort from my parents. A “trip to Bethlehem” while holding candles in a chilly, dark night; bikes magically appearing throughout the house on Christmas morning; a Christmas story shared by my mother in the glowing tree lights; a note from Santa; secret, homemade gifts being made behind closed doors, sharing the Twelve Days of Christmas with neighbors, and many more. No one can describe the thrill of a family in the full swing of the Christmas spirit.

Practice Giving – The magic of giving is an essential element in the Christmas season, especially as we remember the gift of Jesus Christ. One of our favorite practices is exchanging homemade gifts with each other. We traditionally draw names at our November family council. Once the names are chosen, secrets and surprises seem to invade every corner of our house. Even our youngest children can paint, build, or sew a gift to give to a sibling. In addition, we generally make gifts for extended family members and neighbors. Making homemade gifts requires extra effort at a busy time of year, but is a tradition that “makes magic.”

The more, the merrier – We celebrate as many wonderful activities as we can during each holiday. Some of our favorites are: baking days, homemade gifts, a Christmas play, a special Christmas Eve dinner by the tree, warm cider in the morning, singing carols, opening an advent calendar, a neighborhood wassail night, dancing around the Christmas tree, sharing the twelve days of Christmas, gifts to the Savior, and candy canes in our cocoa. Warm traditions build warm memories inside of children which will warm them on future winter nights when they are far away from home.

The Extra Mile – Most holiday traditions require planning and effort on the part of the parents. On one memorable Christmas, Santa made a surprise visit, teaching the symbols of Christmas. Before bed on Christmas Eve, Daddy rocks all of the children by the Christmas tree. The extra mile in making Christmas magic generally doesn’t require a lot of money, and adds to the anticipation and excitement of the season.

Music – Music is absolutely key in making the magic of the season. Listen to Christmas music, sing traditional songs at the piano; carol in the car. Lex de Azevedo said that “music stirs powerful emotions within us.” We certainly want powerful emotions and memories to be within our children as we celebrate the birth of the Savior.

WHAT IS MAGIC?

Another word for magic is spirit. The magic of Christmas is the spirit of Christ. Parents can be instrumental in inviting that spirit into their homes during the most sacred time of the year, when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. The responsibility to teach children of Jesus Christ is a sweet one. As children relate feelings of joy with the love of Christ, their young hearts are opened and can be touched and changed by the magic – or spirit – of the Christmas season. Mine was.