With all the decorations, bright lights and sales in shops, Christian parents find that they have to keep reminding their kids of the true meaning of Christmas, rather than the commercial one.
It would be so easy to get caught up in the Christmas tree, presents and food, but the mothers whom ParenThots spoke to all agree that they prefer to keep it simple, carry on traditions and instil in their kids the very reason for Christmas.
Clare Yip, mother of eight-year-old Ian, believes that it's perfectly normal for kids that age to get carried away with the activities of Christmas, like putting up the tree, getting chocolates and eating a roast meal at Christmas.
“I have an Advent wreath that I usually put up on the first Sunday of Advent, and we would light the candles throughout the weekends of Advent, to remind us of Jesus' coming and the true meaning of Christmas.
“I try and remind him the true meaning of Christmas when we go to Mass on the weekend, when we light the Advent candles at home and say a little prayer, and sometimes when we say our prayers at night.
“We generally don't make a habit of buying him a lot of things for a few reasons. Firstly, I think we are conscious about how easy it is to spoil him as he is an only child, and we have always been careful about not over-indulging him. Secondly, when we first moved to Britain about five years ago (when Ian was about three-plus), we lived on a tight student budget and were very careful with our spending, including on his presents. Having grown up not expecting lots of expensive gifts, he hardly asks for them as well, and we do hope that he’s learning to appreciate life beyond material goods! Having said that, however, we did splurge and got him a Wii console last Christmas, but it was a one-off, more for the family as a whole. Certainly no plans for big presents this year!” she explains.
As for Maureen Nagle, her daughter Renelle, aged four, doesn't ask for presents.
This will be the Nagles' second Christmas in Australia, having recently moved there from Malaysia.
“Of course, like all other children she’s mesmerised with the magical lights of Christmas. She’s quite astute in saying that the decorations are for celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Renelle does not need reminding of the real meaning of Christmas because we have been consistent in our focus on Christmas.
“To date, she has never asked for presents and will be happy receiving anything even if just cost 50 cents. So it’s obvious that she’s not spoilt and we hope she remains that way forever,” shares Nagle.
Start 'em young
Mother of two Bridget Emily Mowe says that although her elder daughter is still small – Cheyenne is only three – she is already getting her involved in Christmas preparations. (Cheyenne's younger sister Brianne is just five months old.)
“I get Cheyenne involved in baking, putting up the tree and selecting presents. She is still young so I guess she is more fascinated with the trees and presents although she is aware that we must attend midnight mass. I think she already associates midnight mass with Christmas.
“She has her own kiddy bible and we tell her stories of Christmas like how Jesus was born and Christmas is actually Jesus' birthday.
“Although we do spoil her with gifts because Christmas is only once a year, we do try to keep it within our budget. The price does not matter because I think kids are more interested in unwrapping. It can be cheap and they would still be excited! This year she'll get something cheaper but it's definitely something that she needs or loves. It's because we have another addition in our family and we must budget accordingly,” explains Mowe.
Changing times
According to her, Christmas today is not the same as how she used to celebrate it as a child.
“When I was younger, we only celebrated at the same place every year until my grandmother passed away. It was always the same routine - go for midnight mass on the eve, then come home to delicious food prepared by both my grandparents. There were sausages, a few kinds of cheese, hot cocoa, coffee and tea, bacon and ham, not forgetting pineapple tarts. After eating and wishing everyone, my grandpa would sit on his favourite chair, pick out the gifts one by one and hand them out.
“The kids would unwrap their presents first, then the grownups. Then, we would hug everyone again and thank them for the presents. On Christmas day, my grandma would prepare all her signature dishes - her spicy devil curry and other Portuguese dishes and if we were lucky, we would have keluak curry, another rare and delicious signature dish of hers. After lunch the kids would continue playing and showing off their toys and the grownups would sit and play cards, having breaks in between to eat and drink some more. Sometimes my uncles would entertain everyone with some carols, if anyone brought along a guitar.
“Nowadays, it's not as intimate as it should be; there are less personal touches. In the past, we used to post and receive greeting cards. Now, it's on Facebook or Twitter - one wish greets all. Cookies and tarts don't taste the same because they can be bought from almost any kind of store and not many people roast their own turkey because you can order them, too. Fewer people attend midnight mass because almost everyone loves to make use of the long holiday to go on trips. We would also enjoy listening to carols by Nat King Cole or some other artiste from that era. These days carols are too commercialised by up-and-coming pop groups.
“This year I will be celebrating Christmas as a mum of two. We 'll be carrying on with the traditions since my mum recently passed away. We'll have a family dinner at home - me, hubby and the girls then off to midnight mass,” says Mowe.
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