Let the children have a wonderful Christmas

This Saturday, the whole world will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ –referred to as Christmas Day. Coming close to the end of year, this day is considered to be the proverbial last supper before the new year is ushered in. It is undoubtedly the biggest festive day on the Christian calendar. People spend a lot of money buying new clothes, furniture and all sorts of gifts all in the name of Christmas. Others embark on exotic holiday treats. On that day many will break their own eating records trying to have so much of everything be it food, alcohol or simply having fun. Everything is consumed in large quantities on Christmas. Companies are known to offer their employees a longer break so that they can enjoy this festive season. Others even give them what is referred to as the ‘13th month.’ This is a bonus salary equivalent to one month but given simply because it is the end of the year. Happy are those who work for such companies. A good number of people use the same season to return to their birthplaces in order to share the joy of Christmas with their families. In general, we can conclude that Christmas in Africa is a time shared with family. In a typical family setting, it is common to observe that children enjoy Christmas more than their older folks. They are the ones who eagerly look forward to drinking so much soda, blowing balloons and of course getting that new dress or pair of shoes from their parents. Every adult has got fond childhood memories of Christmas and it is, therefore, the duty of adults to do all they can to ensure that children can also enjoy the festival to the fullest. That way they can have something interesting to talk about when they get older. This, being an educational column, I would like to urge parents reading this to use this festive season to reward their children for their commendable academic exploits. If your child performed well and brought a good report card, then I do not see why you do not surprise them with a nice gift. Children spend the biggest part of the year in school and it is only right to make sure they enjoy the Christmas holiday. In rewarding them for their academic efforts, it is important for you to talk to them and let them know that hard work does not go unnoticed. Talk to your child and let him know that the reason he got a new pair of shoes is not just because it was Christmas but also because he performed very well in class. That way you will create a culture of hard work among your children, while at the same time, making their Christmas experience a memorable one. In case your child did not perform satisfactorily well, you may choose to buy them some gifts but make it a point to tell them that they would have got much better things if only they had performed better. You should not use the time to punish them by saying you will not buy this or that because of their poor performance as this may nurture hatred against you instead of an improvement in the child’s academic standing. All you have to do is buy something but remind the child that more would have come if only he had worked harder and that if next year he improves then you will also improve on the gifts for him or her. Let me also use this opportunity to wish all my dear readers, students, teachers and wonderful parents a Merry Christmas and a very promising and happy New Year 2011. I have a feeling that 2011 is going to be a very interesting year as far as education is concerned in this country. ssenyonga@gmail.com