Explaining Christmas to a 3 Year Old (oops she'll be 4 by then)

[happybratpack]

Hello Everyone

I spent the last hour wrapping Christmas presents and contemplating life. (isn't that what everyone does while wrapping gifts?!?!) I was thinking about Lily and the fact that she's never been exposed to Christmas and many other major holidays. (and chances are not birthdays either) Anyway, I was trying to think how I would explain things to her...not so much the religious aspect of the holiday, but the other things like Santa, the Christmas Tree, stockings, etc etc. I guess more of the "commercial" side of the holiday if that makes sense. Every child I have known has grown up with Christmas - does that make sense? I mean not just introduced to it once they were older. Ack. I can't explain.

Can you tell she's my first child?

 

[minmate]

First, I'd think about how you really want her to feel about Christmas... and then check out the library or bookstore for kids books stories that have that same focus. You can read her the books and use them as a springboard for any further questions.

 

[barkley]

howabout the old standard "twas the night before christmas..." it explains everything. there is also a great book, i think the title is "a chrismas story a night" it's kind like the advent calendar concept, a story with some christmas tie-in that you read every night for a month leading up to christmas eve.

 

[golfgal]

You could rent or buy "Santa Clause is Coming to Town". That is a good one for telling how Santa got his start.

 

[minkydog]

She may be overwhelmed with it at first, just like every other 4yo, but she'll get it. What 4yo doesn't love presents? I agree with reading The Night Before Christmas--that one story explains all about Santa.