The Values of Christmas for Children
Education in values is fundamental for children to grow up in a healthy and balanced way and enjoy a full and happy life. To achieve this, mothers and fathers must educate their children socially and civically from an early age. This type of education should be given throughout the year, but especially around Christmas time, when the world is flooded with the values of Christmas.
Before addressing this topic, we should clarify that education not only consists of teaching children intellectual and academic skills, but we also need to word on the emotional development of kids. In fact, Aristotle said:
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
So, take advantage of the Christmas season to transmit to your children the values that characterize these dates.
The values of Christmas for children
Christmas is an ideal time to instill certain positive values in children. Next, we’ll present what, in our opinion, are the most important values of Christmas.
“Christmas is a time not only of rejoicing but of reflection.”
-Winston Churchill-
The value of gratitude
At Christmas, it’s important to teach little ones to give thanks for the gifts they receive, for being able to be with their loved ones on these dates, for being able to enjoy a table full of food, for being healthy, etc. That is, they must learn to be grateful, to value everything they have, and to feel privileged for it.
Solidarity
Solidarity consists of acting altruistically and for the benefit of others. It’s another of the values that must be instilled in children at this time of year.
Therefore, they must be aware that not all families have as many resources as theirs, so they must be taught to share what they have with the most disadvantaged, donating food, new and used toys, clothes, etc., so that other little ones like them can also enjoy Christmas.
Peace
Christmas is a time of peace and harmony that most families spend together. It’s a time to celebrate and be together, avoiding conflicts and unnecessary arguments. Adults should set examples and convey this to children through their behaviors.
Love, one of the most important Christmas values
Finally, we must mention love, that beautiful feeling that’s expressed with greater intensity during the Christmas season. It’s clear that, around Christmas, people tend to be more sociable, cheerful, friendly, kind, and affectionate. This is something that children perceive and learn to value, reproducing said behaviors and attitudes.
Conclusions regarding the values of Christmas…
Christmas, in addition to being a time of excessive consumption, in which a lot of money is spent on decoration, food, gifts, etc., it’s also a time when many values can be promoted, such as gratitude, solidarity, peace, and love, of which we’ve already spoken before.
In fact, this is the favorite time of year for many children, and also for many adults, because during these dates, excitement, hope, and happiness predominate and, in addition, a multitude of good feelings are exchanged between people.
In short, it’s a perfect time to transmit ethical and social values to the smallest members of your family.
“Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given–when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes.”
-Joan Winmill Brown-
So, what are you waiting for to wrap your home with good feelings? Pass on the values of Christmas to your children and keep them in the Christmas spirit all year long!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Pradas-Rojano, A. (2019). La Navidad como propuesta didáctica para educar en valores en Educación Infantil (Trabajo de Fin de Grado). Universidad de Jaén, España.