by Shari McMinn

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7 NKJV).

We all know the story. We have read it perhaps over and over again. Many of us heard it as children and now read it to our own families. We watched it portrayed with goofy costumes on little rascals in church pageants. Major motion pictures have retold it in multi-million-dollar productions. But do we really understand the gravity of what happened in Bethlehem two thousand years ago? Can our children — even the most cognitively delayed or emotionally traumatized — grasp their sinful needs of a Redeemer Who is also their Friend and Comforter? Can we understand our own needs for a Redeemer as harried and overburdened parents?

I want to share with you this quote from an article I read recently:

“Here’s a side to the Christmas story that isn’t often told: Those soft little hands, fashioned by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb, were made so that nails might be driven through them. Those baby feet, pink and unable to walk, would one day stagger up a dusty hill to be nailed to a cross. That sweet infant’s head with sparkling eyes and eager mouth was formed so that someday, men might force a crown of thorns onto it. That tender body, warm and soft, wrapped in swaddling clothes, would one day be ripped open by a spear.

Jesus was born to die.”

Wow, what a sacrificial, life-altering gift we have available to us — if we would only open it up and cherish it for all it is worth! He gave His perfect life so that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).

In the whirlwind that is sure to be your next few weeks of Christmas preparation and celebration, remember to take it all in — experiencing the anticipation and excitement of children using all of their senses and body movements, who see gifts and food and want more of it all! That is exactly what we adults should also want to experience through our faith in Christ — more of it all — using our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30).

Here are a few ideas for redeeming Christmas commercialism to appreciate Christ’s sacrificial gift of our salvation, including activities for a range of learning styles:

• Attend church together as a family on Christmas Eve; listen to a Christmas audiobook en route.
• Have your children use props found throughout your home to reenact the Nativity story.
• Help your kids make playdough or Lego nativity characters in scenes to set out on your hearth.
• Prepare and deliver a gift basket together for a family enduring hardship, or for an isolated senior.
• Read through Luke as a weekly Advent Bible study by using this free download.  
• Share your Christian testimony of faith with your children (we are all sinners in need of a merciful God!); ask each of your children to share a testimony of God forgiving their sin.
• Sing Christmas carols at home as a family or with friends, maybe while walking in your neighborhood to bless others; be sure to enjoy hot chocolate or cider with holiday snacks afterward.

Whatever your family traditions are this holiday season, slow down and remember the reason for this all-important season. May the Lord richly bless you with the presence of His Holy Spirit, as Father God Almighty provides for you and yours now and always, while you trust fully in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Further reading on this topic includes these articles with helpful ideas to easily implement:

• Helping Traumatized Children Enjoy Christmas  
• How to Make the Holiday Season Easier for Kids with Trauma Backgrounds 
• 10 Ways to Handle Trauma Triggers During the Holiday Season (for adults but for children, too)

As the New Year begins, you may want to check out the relaunched SPEDHomeschool.com website for articles and podcast recordings that will help you navigate specific struggles you might have while homeschooling your unique learner. There are now three different tiers of access to that incredible site, from FREE to $9/monthly, depending on your needs.

Shari McMinn, your trusted homeschooling friend  

My next Unique Learner blog, “Homeschooling Violently Aggressive Children,” will be posted on January 22, 2025 (the 4th Wednesday).

P.S. If you have a topic I should write about, please email me with your suggestion(s). This blog is for you!

About the Author: Shari McMinn

Shari Howard McMinn has graduated from homeschool teaching and is a professional editor, public speaker, and writer. After living in Colorado for 45 years, she continues to work remotely for Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) from her new home in the Fort Myers, Florida area. Shari is the author of five books, which are detailed on her website, ShariMcMinn.com. She is an advocate for adoption, homeschooling, safe and stable families, and unique learners. A few years ago, she entered a very fun new season of life: grandparenting! She is available to answer your questions via email, Shari@CHEC.org.