p I Notes To Dad Cheryl Miller Perry Co. Extension Agent Dads Children, and fhe Meaning of The Holidays Here is a question for you fil lers reading this article: “How do 3U help your children celebrate id focus on the meaning of the alidays?” What is your answer? Is it. “Well, 1.. .1... icir mother’s job!” A father’s job is more than 'A— J— ''A-. 4-* A- \<—, A—, \i- Jr- A~ ''A- Ws cof < fhe ChfisfH)3S |oo|l —r A*i /»—w —r* V*— ri A—* A--t% “ > J- * y* —t X —•» X—r X * X —* » y-- y. ■ y! > •J*' ; \" J ' - ,A“ ' / -• J.V- y. Buy the STIHLOIBC for only $199.95 Lightweight and Powerful, this saw is a nomeowner’s dream. 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However, it is not the only re sponsibility fathers have in help ing their children understand the meaning of various celebrations at this time of the year. Think of Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. His income was I, that’s '.Ur V— i ' ,z“ v:> ist Tighten foraSTiHIZ? BOMBERGER'S LAWN & GARDEN Lltilz- 717-626-3301 Libanon 717-272-4155 McAlistervilli HOOBER, INC. 717-463-2191 Oxford DEER CREEK EQUIPMENT, INC. •600 Lirrwfttont Rd 610-932-8856 Palmyra HERR S REPAIR SHOP R 0 2, BokIISA 717-838-1549 Tamaqua Palmyra Charles s. WEAVER’S LAWN & GARDEN SNYDER. INC. 740 W Main St RD 3 717-1838-5899 570-386-5945 Peach Bottom Hagerstown. MD A.K. SAW SHOP EBY’S LAWN & GARDEN 214 Pitch Bottom Rood IMMFairvltwßood Pequea 301-733^,5. DREXEL AUTO SUPPLY . ... 333st«r,™nF«mBMd Cockevsville MD 717-284-2916 imstown MA'MUiu Schaefferstowi MARTIN'S EQUIPMENT CO. Rt SOI 1 1/2 MH«s South ol Schaaffarstown, PA 717-949-6817 Shartlesville MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY, INC. (Formally Shartlasvllla Farm Sarvlea) PO Box 529 610-488-1025 Shippensburg LEINBACH FARM EQUIP. 1120 Ritnar Hwy 717-532-5511 SUBURBAN SALES 10757 York Rd 410-785-2277 Whiteford MD DEER CREEK EQUIPMENT, INC. 720 Wh«tl»r School Rd 301-679-5090 ST/HL meager, yet he instilled in his chil dren the value that Christmas was a time to celebrate family and what they meant to one another. He did this by demonstrating his love for them through affection, tenderness, and caring. I asked several dads how they helped their children focus on the meaning of the holidays. Here is how they answered: Many fathers work on service projects together with their chil dren. Some help their children col lect items for relief boxes being sent to third world countries, while others assemble and deliver fruit baskets to the elderly and shut-ins. As they work with their fami lies they discuss the importance of being thankful for their bounty. It is important to be physically pre sent and available to the children. Take time to answer questions tha* 149.95 *89.04 arise, questions that challenge the mind and the heart. For example, “Why is it wrong to tell a lie?” or “Why is it important to me to say I am sorry for hurting my bro ther’s feelings?” Visiting with grandparents and extended family members is an other popular aspect of the holi days among fathers. This imparts to children the significance of maintaining a connection with family members. Making gifts or baking special “goodies” with children, to give to family, friends and neighbors has a special part in one father’s cele bration. Another dad enjoys decorating the family Christmas tree. He told me it was an opportunity to re minisce about the past Over the years special ornaments have been accumulated, and as these are placed on the tree, the story is told about the meaning of that particu lar decoration. This tradition helps to bridge the past with the present to give the family a sense of con tinuity. One dad shared that helping to set the tone and atmosphere of happenings within the home was an important job. His presence and guidance provide the leadership to help keep his family on track. He U f TV (CANTED) FRONT CURIO Oak or Cherry Finish - 5 Glass Shelves 2 Doors Lighted Interior Mirrored Back Reg Retail $599 95 OUR PRICE $ 159.04 -w Lancaster Farming, Saturday, December 18, 1999-B7 IS 2 END TABLES 21x18x21H CHRISTMAS SPECIAL $ 89.95 SERTA MATTRESS & FLEX SPRING Ret OUR CASH PRICE SINGLE $609 95 $149.95 DOUBLE $749 95 $189.95 QUEEN $BB9 95 $249.95 KING $1129 95 $299.95 does not view his job as, “Kicking back and going with the flow.” All of the fathers agreed an im portant part of sharing the mean ing of the holiday is to teach chil dren the spiritual or religious sig nificance of the season. All of the dads interviewed attend special church services with their families and read one of the biblical ac counts of Jesus’ birth in Bethle hem during the Christmas season. One dad describes lighting the candles on an Advent Wreath to help his children prepare for the arrival of Christmas Day. Another holiday tradition in his home is to bake a birthday cake for Jesus and have his daughters frost and de corate it On Christmas morning they light the candles and sing “Happy Birthday ” All the dads interviewed felt they did not contribute significant ly to teaching the meaning of the holidays to their children. Yet, their answers reflect fathers who are making a major impact on what their children believe is im portant in their families’ celebra tion. Therefore, dad, your pre sence and involvement with the family during the holidays are worth more than the presents and the food your hard work affords. This year give your children the gift of yourself. 'v ** „ x. ir ***** -* >* imgßi RECLINER ° s u B ß g ™“ Reg 389 95 4DI Pine Finish & Brass Hardware Reg Retail $149 95 _ _ OUR PRICE *39.04 & *<> iST 1 h &