Let Christmas End Slowly

Written by Elaine M. Gibson

On December 25, Santa has come and gone. The packages are opened and the surprises are over, but it is not time for Christmas to be over. Children can easily be disappointed by the whole Christmas build-up if it ends on Christmas morning.

As one little girl said after opening her presents,

"If I'd known that was all there was to it, I wouldn't have waited so long."

With such a huge, commercial build-up, children can easily be disappointed by an event that lasts less than an hour. Christmas is more than opening gifts, or at least it should be. The twelve days of Christmas begin on Christmas day. Children need for Christmas to have a gentle conclusion. We have rituals and traditions before Christmas, we need to plan rituals and traditions for the end of Christmas as well.

Children need to anticipate. For instance:

• Plan an After Christmas Party

  After Christmas is a perfect time to involve children in planning a party for their friends. Let the kids invite a few friends for an afternoon "New Toy Party". Each child brings one new toy to show the others.

• Plan an Evening Out

  Christmas lights are still on houses. It's a good time for an evening out with the family. Eat out and spend an hour or two driving through neighborhoods enjoying all the Christmas lights.

• Plan an Un-decorating Party

  What about an "undecorating the tree" party? Taking the tree down can become a tradition for the family. Add hot apple cider, leftover Christmas goodies, and popcorn and make this chore a special event. Give each child a box for his or her own personal decorations. When they grow up and leave home, the ornaments can go with them.

• Plan a Gingerbread House Tea Party

  If you've made gingerbread houses, plan a gingerbread party and invite others to share in the eating.

• Plan a New Year's Eve Party for Families

  Plan a New Year's Party for families. Use this time to visit friends you've been too busy to see. Everyone stays safe and off the streets.

Close the Season Slowly

What you do is unimportant. Planning and anticipating are what count. Such activities bring a slower close to the season. Instead of feeling let-down and depressed, the Twelve Days of Christmas can leave everyone feeling happy and content.

Merry Christmas. May the joy of this day last a long, long time.

next: Age-Appropriate Gift Suggestions for Kids