Proverbs 22:6

6 Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it.

Every Christmas season I hear and read many passionate parents give their opinions- and judgments about why they- and others should celebrate Santa, St. Nick….baby Jesus.

Many mom’s and dad’s follow the traditions set forth by their parents in order that they can re-live their childhood, and create the same magical memories for their little ones. Others follow their friends or holiday “experts” advice in order to do it all. They spend countless hours decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping, screaming, cussing and drinking too much spiked eggnog after the tree and the demands of the holiday come come crashing down around them on Christmas Eve.

But I wonder…in the hustle and bustle, do we ever stop and ask “why?”

Why do we celebrate the way we do?

Why do we celebrate Santa?

Why do we adopt an Elf on the Shelf?

Why do we go into debt in order to buy all these gifts?

Why do we praise St. Nick?

Why do we celebrate baby Jesus?

Why do we think make-believe is more magical, more fun than reality?

Regardless of our reasons for the answers to these questions, the greater question- the only one that truly matters for all eternity is this:

“God, what do you want my family to celebrate? What do you want me to teach our children during this season?”

John 16:13

13 The Holy Spirit is coming. He will lead you into all truth. He will not speak His Own words. He will speak what He hears. He will tell you of things to come.

Once we’re willing to ask the King of kings – and obey His answer, we can rest….and enjoy this holiday season, knowing that our kids will not turn away from His teaching when they are older.