A Christmas Cake for Jesus

When my children were very small, I wanted them to have fun with Christmas and Santa, but I also wanted them to understand what the true meaning is behind this holiday. Of course we watched the TV shows, read the books, and talked about Jesus, but to make it more personal for them, I took it a step farther. We would sit down and have our traditional Christmas dinner and I would always remind the kids to 'save room for the Birthday cake!'

When we were finished eating, we would clear the table somewhat, then I would bring out a small cake we had made or purchased (the 1st birthday size), with a brightly burning candle, and everyone would sing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus before having a small sliver of cake - traditional pie and stuff was saved for later.

We were not much of a strict, church-going family, but I always wanted my children to understand and have a relationship with God. They always enjoyed and looked forward to this Christmas tradition and took it very seriously, as if they were singing to someone sitting right there in the room with them. And it made God/Jesus more real to them, rather than just being an idea.

By Judy = Oklahoma from OK