The magic of Christmas: Why kids love it so much

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 16, 2023

Why is Christmas such a fun time for kids?

Christmas is a holiday where the whole family comes together to have fun together. Children enjoy partying and playing with their parents and relatives.

In this article, I'll tell you why Christmas is such a fun time for kids. 

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The meaning and history of Christmas

Christmas is a holiday celebrated worldwide in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is an important celebration for Christians, but also for people who are not religious. Christmas is all about being together, having fun and giving gifts.

The History of Christmas

The origins of Christmas date back to the fourth century AD. At that time, December 25 was celebrated by the Romans as the birthday of the sun god Mithras. As Christianity spread, it was decided to use this day as the birthday of Jesus Christ. In some countries, Christmas is still celebrated on a different day, such as January 7 in Russia.

The Christmas tree and the nativity scene

The Christmas tree and the nativity scene are two important symbols of Christmas. The Christmas tree is a symbol of life and is decorated with lights and baubles. The nativity scene shows the birth of Jesus and consists of a stable containing Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the animals.

How is Christmas celebrated?

Christmas is celebrated in different ways around the world. Some people go to church, while others stay home and eat together. In some countries, Christmas is celebrated with special dishes, such as Christmas stollen and turkey. Also the giving gifts (the best for kids viewed here) is an important part of Christmas.

Fun: The reason why Christmas is such a fun time for kids

Christmas is a Christian holiday that has been celebrated since the second century. It is the day that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas Eve, the birth of Jesus is celebrated and a Christmas meal is often offered. But where does the fun during Christmas come from?

In the British countries, Christmas was already celebrated in the Middle Ages with the Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Sinterklaas was celebrated in the Netherlands and it was not until the 19th century that Santa Claus came into the picture. The cosiness during Christmas is therefore a combination of different traditions from different countries.

Fundraisers and giving money

Many charitable fundraisers are still held during Christmas. The Salvation Army organizes annual campaigns to collect money for people who are less fortunate. Pop musicians also often organize campaigns to raise money for charities.

Giving money and helping others during Christmas is an important part of the fun. It feels good to help others and contribute to a better world.

Advent and the Christmas season

Advent is the four week period before Christmas. During this period, a candle is always lit on the Advent wreath. This is a sign that Christmas is getting closer.

The Christmas period starts on Christmas Eve and lasts until Boxing Day. Many fun activities are organized during this period, such as Christmas markets and Christmas concerts. Many Christmas carols are also sung and Christmas stories told.

Christmas cosiness at home

For many people, Christmas is a time to spend time with family and friends. We eat together, unwrap gifts and play games. The Christmas tree and Christmas decorations create a cozy atmosphere at home.

Children often enjoy receiving presents and spending time with their families. The cosiness during Christmas makes children feel safe and secure.

Winter coziness: why children love the cold months so much

When the cold months begin, it seems as if the whole of the Netherlands is in a festive mood. You see decorations everywhere: wreaths on the doors, lights in the trees and Christmas cards on the table. Kids love to help decorate the house and tree. It gives an extra cozy atmosphere in the house and creates a feeling of being together.

Being together with family and friends

In the cold months it is extra nice to be together with family and friends. It's a time when people visit each other and look for fun. For children, this often means extra time to play with nephews and nieces, or to make Christmas cards with grandpa and grandma, for example.

The snow

When it finally starts to snow, children are completely over the moon. They want to go outside to play in the snow and make snowmen and playing with winter themed toys (like this one from LEGO). As a parent, it is useful to take extra care of warm clothing and good shoes.

The meaning and history of the nativity scene

Although the nativity scene means the same in most countries, there are small differences in the way the nativity scene is designed. For example, in some countries there are more figures in the nativity scene than in other countries. In some countries more attention is also paid to the nativity scene than in others.

For example, in Italy, the nativity scene is considered the most important part of Christmas and several nativity scenes can often be found in churches and homes. In the Netherlands, attention is mainly paid to the Christmas tree and there are fewer people who have a nativity scene at home.

How do you make a nativity scene?

If you want to make a nativity scene yourself, there are several options. For example, you can buy a ready-made nativity scene or make your own nativity scene from wood or clay. It is also possible to make a nativity scene from papier-mache or other materials.

When you make a nativity scene, it is important to use the right figures and put them in the right place. For example, Joseph should be on the right side of the nativity scene and Mary on the left. The baby Jesus is supposed to be in the stable and the shepherds and the wise men are standing around it.

The history and meaning of the Christmas tree

The Christmas tree is one of the most important symbols of the Christmas season. It is a tradition that goes back centuries. While the exact origins of the Christmas tree are not known, there are several accounts of how this tradition originated. Some people say it started in 16th century Germany where people decorated spruce and fir trees with apples and candles. Others claim that the use of a Christmas tree dates back to the ancient Romans.

How the Christmas tree is used

Today, the Christmas tree is an important part of the Christmas celebration in many countries around the world. People often put the tree in their house and decorate it with lights, balls and garlands. It is a tradition where families come together to decorate the tree and put gifts under it. Some people even jump around the Christmas tree as part of their celebration.

The different types of Christmas trees

There are many different types of Christmas trees that people can choose from. The most common species are spruce and pine. These trees are often green in color and have needles that prick. There are also artificial Christmas trees that people can buy if they don't want a real tree.

The colors of the Christmas tree

The colors of the Christmas tree are also important. Many people opt for traditional colors such as red, green and gold. Other people want a modern look and opt for white or silver decorations.

The Christmas tree today

Today, the Christmas tree is one of the most important symbols of the Christmas celebration and is used in many different countries around the world. It is a tradition that brings people together and provides a feeling of coziness and warmth during the cold winter months.

Christmas markets: a celebration for children and adults

Christmas markets are markets that are mainly held in December. At these markets you will find all kinds of nice and cozy stalls where you can buy everything. Think of Christmas decorations, gifts, food and drinks. Christmas markets are especially popular in Europe and are organized in many countries.

What can you find at a Christmas market?

You can find everything at a Christmas market. Think of Christmas decorations, Christmas gifts, food and drinks. But art, clothing and other items are also sold. Often there are also special stalls where you can get tasty snacks and drinks. Think of mulled wine, hot chocolate and donuts.

What should you pay attention to when you go to a Christmas market?

If you go to a Christmas market, it is useful to put on warm clothes. Often it is cold outside and sometimes it can also rain or snow. It is also useful to bring cash, because not all stalls accept debit card payments. It is also important to keep a close eye on your belongings, because it can be busy on the market and there are many people walking around.

The magic of Christmas for children

For many people, Christmas is a time of fun and presents, but for Christians it has a deeper meaning. It is about the birth of Jesus Christ. The nativity scene is a way of telling the story of Jesus to children. It provides an easy way to explain the story and show children what happened in the stable where Jesus was born. It's a fun way to show kids that Christmas is more than just presents and good food.

The best activities during Christmas

There are many ways to celebrate Christmas and everyone does it in their own way. Here are a few fun activities you can do with your kids during the Christmas season:

• Visit a Christmas market or festival
• Go ice skating in Amsterdam or The Hague
• Visit a Christmas circus
• Go to the zoo and see the original nativity scene
• Play fun games online or offline
• Make Christmas decorations or Christmas cards together

The magic of Christmas remains

For children, Christmas is a time of holidays, fun and presents. But it is also a time of meaning and magic. The stories of Jesus and Santa Claus, the Christmas tree and the nativity scene, are all things that keep the magic of Christmas alive for children. And although the Christmas season passes, the enchantment of Christmas lingers for a long time.

Santa Claus: a beloved figure during the Christmas season

Santa Claus is a figure that has been around for centuries and has its origins in different countries. In the Netherlands we mainly know him as Santa Claus, but in other countries he has other names. In England they say Father Christmas and in Germany he is called Weihnachtsmann. Santa Claus comes to people's homes to give presents to children. But where does this tradition actually come from?

The role of Santa Claus these days

Nowadays, Santa Claus is indispensable during the Christmas season. It plays an important role in the perception of children and has become a symbol of the coziness and warmth of the holidays. Many people hang a Christmas ball on the tree with the image of Santa Claus on it. People also send each other Christmas cards with the figure of Santa Claus on them. It's a way to wish each other a Merry Christmas and give each other attention.

Santa's personal touch

Santa Claus makes Christmas extra fun for children by giving presents. Often these presents are in a large bag that Santa brings. There are also more and more people who hire a Santa Claus to visit their home. This makes it extra special and personal. Santa Claus is a figure who provides care and attention to each other during the Christmas season.

Santa Claus compared to Sinterklaas

In the Netherlands we have Sinterklaas in addition to Santa Claus. Sinterklaas is best known among children and is celebrated on December 5. Santa Claus is more focused on the Christmas season and is mainly seen as a figure who gives presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Santa Claus is a more general figure celebrated by many people, while Sinterklaas is mainly celebrated by Catholic and Protestant families.

The magic of Christmas: Movies, songs and stories

Christmas carols are an important part of the Christmas tradition and are sung all over the world. The weather is often below freezing, but the warm sounds of Christmas carols create a cozy atmosphere. Some songs are very old, such as “Shepherds lay at night” and “Kindeke klein”, while other songs are very new. New Christmas songs are added every year, sung by singers from different countries and in different languages. In the Netherlands, “Jingle Bells” and “White Christmas” are very well known and loved.

Christmas Stories: From Charles Dickens to Disney

Christmas stories come in all shapes and sizes. The famous story “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is world famous and is still performed every year in theaters all over the world. The story is about the old and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited on Christmas Eve by three ghosts who show him what a terrible person he is and what a beautiful life he could have if he changed his ways. Disney has also made a number of beautiful Christmas stories, such as “Mickey's Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express”. These stories are especially loved by children, but adults can also enjoy the beautiful messages that these stories bring.

Christmas movies: from old classics to new favourites

Christmas movies abound and there is something for everyone. From old classics like “It's a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas” to new favorites like “Elf” and “Love Actually”. Santa Claus is central to many Christmas movies, such as “The Santa Clause” and “Miracle on 34th Street”. But there are also plenty of Christmas movies that are about the warm and cozy atmosphere of Christmas, such as “Home Alone” and “The Holiday”. Another popular Christmas movie is “The Polar Express”, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. This film tells the story of a boy who boards a train on Christmas Eve that takes him to the North Pole, where he meets Santa Claus.

Whether you like Christmas carols, Christmas stories or Christmas movies, there is something for everyone. The wide collection of beautiful and inspiring stories and songs ensures that Christmas remains a magical time for young and old.

Conclusion

Christmas is a holiday that has been celebrated since the 4th century in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. A party that is mainly about being together, fun and gifts.

If you also have a child of your own, you know how nice it is to hang the Christmas decorations in the house with your child, make Christmas baubles and decorate the nativity scene together. As you yourself know, it's the little things that make the party so much fun.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.