Sharing the Legends of Christmas

• Prepare ahead of time by researching the stories behind the many symbols of Christmas. Your local library can help you gather picture books and legends about the star, the poinsettia and other special items that are associated with Christmas.
• Wait until you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy sharing the stories you have to tell. Consider combining story telling with another activity, like decorating your new artificial Christmas tree. As you are telling your kids about old traditions, you will be starting your own special new tradition of telling tales and laughter during holiday preparations.

• Be willing to cut a story short if your kids are starting to seem a bit restless. If possible, take your cue from serial television shows and stop at a suspenseful place. For example, if you are talking about the birth of Jesus, stop before the Wise Men find him or pause at the point where the shepherds are afraid. This way, your children will be more interested in hearing the end of the story when you want to finish it the next evening.