Christmas is a very important time of the year for many people around the world. There are many get-togethers that families and friends enjoy. But there are many things that have to get done by the people to be able to have an unforgettable Christmas. I will start by mentioning the Tao for the children which is an important part of their lives which they'll never forget.
It's very said that children have to be good during the year to receive presents from Santa Claus. If this were to be true, children would have to change many of the things they do, but overall they try to be good and are most of the time rewarded at this time of the year.
Kids should be aware of both good and bad things. They should be able to decide whether their actions are for their own good or are good for the people around them. Choosing between right or wrong things is very important, and it's also a great experience to put in practice their judgments based on their knowledge. "Know the white, but keep the black! Be an example to the world! Being an example to the world, ever true and unwavering, return to the infinite. " (pg.30)
Children should be more conscious that they should not only be good as Christmas approaches, but through the year. They should not be perfect with everything they do, because by doing this their childhood will end-up being a nightmare. Where they weren't able to enjoy as much as most children did, by having fights and loosing, winning, showing-off, etc. these kinds of things that kids shouldn't do, but that form up part of their childhood. Occasions that will never be forgotten, and when they grow-up they will be able to say, "Why did I do that!" or "that was very fun, but mean", or similar things that were not well done, but that most kids enjoyed doing. "He who stands on tiptoe is not steady. He who strides cannot maintain the peace. He who makes a show is not enlightened. He who is self-righteous is not respected. He who boasts achieves nothing. He who brags will not endure. According to the followers of the Tao, "These extra food and unnecessary luggage." They do not bring happiness. Therefore followers of the Tao avoid them."(pg.26) many people think that they kids should do everything correct, but most of these people don't know what things are right or wrong. Maybe things that are considered bad by many people are good, and that children will keep on doing them, and will have a memorable childhood. This will lead them to have great Christmases that will keep on with them for many years.
As a family, to have a nice Christmas, families should be in peace and happy. They should have good relationships between each other and they should feel responsible for one another. By doing this and being together in Christmas it will be a moment of happiness and serenity for them. They will all help each other with anything they need, and they will feel compromised with the family. "When there is no peace within the family, Filial piety and devotion arise. When the country is confused and in chaos, loyal ministers appear."(pg.20) The families will be united, something that is very necessary to have a merry Christmas, that will be enjoyed by all the family.
Many adults might think that Christmas is just for children, but this is not true. Adults should be role models for the children, showing them the how great Christmas can be. They shall not forget the fun they had when they were little. And should keep having the same spirit and preserve the same fun environment that was always there during that special time of the year.
"It is more important to see the simplicity, to realize one's true nature, to cast off selfishness and temper desire."(pg 21) Many adults should have this in mind that they should not feel as if in a different situation than the children. They should realize that they are involved in the same holiday as the children, trying to enjoy the same things that are being celebrated by the families and friends. They should also feel the same as most children feel, and enjoy similar things while they share time together.
Many adults also think that Christmas is just something cultural, that has been done for many years and that's why they should keep on doing it. That is like, "Man follows the earth. Earth follows heaven. Heaven follows the Tao. Tao follows what is natural" (pg.27) It's similar to this because adults sometimes celebrate Christmas just because it's something that's cultural. And most of the people believe in that, what religion has told them to do, so they follow it. And that is what's supposed to be correct, therefore many people keep on doing what they were told to do.
