Christmas offers many teaching moments to kids

People are wrapped up in material goods. Every ad says "buy, buy ... buy!" And we love to get into debt.

I ask what do we teach our children? Santa Claus, that imaginary man who will bring gifts to those who are nice and good, naughty ones will be left out. We all sing and know that song. Ugh ... ugh!

What happens to the child who wakes up with nothing, then wonders what bad thing he/she did to cause this? Isn't this proof that he is too naughty, too bad to be loved and given a gift? At an impressionable age, they often blame themselves for bad things happening.

That is why I like the Angel Tree, which provides gifts to those whose mom or dad are in prison, or a few other programs that arrange gifts for children in poor situations.

But best is the one that teaches the real reason for the season. A gift is given for those who ask, including children, and open their hearts and minds to know and see. Children learn self worth and confidence when they know that the real gift is love, acceptance and forgiveness.

What are you teaching your children through your actions and the books you read to them?

Bud C. Wilder

Bradenton

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Christmas offers many teaching moments to kids ."