Why Christmas Is Really All About Children

22. Why Christmas is Really All About Children

It could be said that since it was the birth of a baby as a gift to

mankind that gave rise to Christmas, then children should also and always be the

primary focus of the season. Individual families will say they have always put

children first and parents will sacrifice seeking their desires at Christmas to

make sure their children are satisfied. And although adults also look forward

with much anticipation to the Christmas season, the frenzy that accounts for all

the shopping and preparation during the Christmas season is really for the

benefit of children.

From a financial perspective, the extensive shopping done at Christmas is

really of benefit to businesses. But what really drives the maddening shopping

activity is a desire by parents, relatives, friends and acquaintances to play

Santa Claus, mainly for children. Within families, children are usually the ones

who individually receive the most gifts. And it's deservedly so because their

wide-eyed anticipation, excitement and pure joy when they open their Christmas

presents gives everyone an indescribably happy feeling.

Along with playing Santa Claus and secretly getting gifts for children,

adults also use the Santa story for all it's worth as an effective means of

discipline. As soon as the Fall season approaches, children will begin to hear

warnings about their behavior and the consequence of Santa Claus not leaving any

toys or presents like the wonderful ones they received in the prior year. And

when the Santa Claus story is not being used to help to get the best behavior

from children, it is simply pure fun to delight them by telling them stories

about Santa Claus, his elves and reindeers to simply enliven their imagination.

The story of Santa Claus is even useful for older children who may just be

starting to unravel the mystery of Santa Claus. The stories that tell of

different places where Santa Claus actually lives can be a starting point to go

on an imaginative journey around the globe and become a geography lesson to

learn about those places.

Children are also central to Christmas because the many grand displays of

Christmas scenery, colorful lights and sparkling ornaments really target the

attention of children. So, if children were not so important at Christmas time,

then it is quite possible that many of the traditions that make Christmas what

it is would not exist. As an example, Valentine's Day and holidays related to

Easter have a much different mood and atmosphere. Children aren't the focus in

celebrations for those special periods.

Christmas is also an important period for the toy industry whose clients

are naturally children. Although the industry is part of the big retail picture

and therefore seeks to boost sales during the Christmas season, there is also a

deeper meaning for children. Toys are important to entertain, to educate, to

help children develop their imagination and to develop coordination and other

skills in children. Toys can also help children to play together and learn to

share.

The toy industry is therefore important at Christmas time in introducing new

products that are integral to the development of children. When children become

totally captivated by a new toy at Christmas time, it may help them to learn a

new skill or provide new knowledge all in a fun and captivating way that will

make it more likely that whatever is learned will be remembered.

Children are also the focus of Christmas celebrations because it is

important to create fond childhood memories of the season. These memories are

created not by children necessarily receiving a lot, but by enjoying everything

about the season. The story of Jesus with the moral of sharing, giving and doing

kind deeds for others can also help to build a good character and set a moral

foundation that teaches children to have empathy and compassion during the

Christmas season and all throughout the year.