At major shopping centers
like malls, children can enjoy
various window displays and arrangements
inside stores that show Christmas scenes. The displays, which can be moving, stationary or interactive, can be so numerous
and mesmerizing that parents often arrange a trip to such malls just for children to view the many displays.
Shopping malls are also a popular place where Santa Claus is sure
to be found. For a small fee, children can sit or stand with Santa Claus, talk with him and, most importantly, get a picture
taken with Santa. Those children who may be too old for Santa Claus, like pre-teens and teenagers, can also be entertained
by the various grand Christmas displays as well as one of their favorite activities -- shopping.
Various colorful and twinkling lights is certain to be a part
of the displays at malls and shopping centers, but other arrangements of Christmas lighting can also be a delightful activity
for children to enjoy. Because Christmas displays have become so common, everyone has some form of Christmas lighting arrangement
at their houses.
This has led to neighborhoods where it is common to see an increase
in traffic during the Christmas season because of the fanciful, landscaped displays of outdoor Christmas lights and decorations.
These usually include figures of reindeers, Santa, sleighs, angels, shepherds, and animals that are a part of the story of
Jesus' birth. It can therefore become an activity to take a tour of these neighborhoods with children for them to feast their
eyes.
In a similar manner to the grand Christmas lighting that can be
found in some neighborhoods and the occasional home, there are also themed-lighting displays at quaint Christmas villages
and special large, Christmas light displays at venues like some public parks. The displays can be similar to those seen in
neighborhoods except that they are usually on a larger and grander scale. As an example, a typical home lawn display will
have a Christmas display that includes Santa, a sleigh, and a reindeer or two, all as separate pieces.
A Christmas display at a themed-village or park would have a large
and possibly moving display of Santa Claus with elf-like figures in a sleigh that is being pulled by reindeers as one big
structure. These Christmas sights are what often bring out the wide-eyed wonder in children as their faces express awe and
amazement.
While children will have a beautifully decorated Christmas tree
at home to enjoy, it will also be fun for them to go to other lightings of Christmas trees because, again, those trees are
usually bigger and decorated on a grander scale than the ones in their living rooms at home. Just about every town, city or
municipality will have a Christmas tree lighting in a central location.
Sometimes local firehouses will also have a special Christmas
tree lighting. At these events, children can see a local official or personality flip a switch to symbolically turn on the
Christmas tree.
Those local events are likely to include Christmas treats and
goodies, a Santa Claus to present Christmas gifts to children and the singing of Christmas carols.
Taking time out to engage in activities just for the enjoyment
of children will make them feel special, help them to experience the magic of Christmas, and create memories that will
last a lifetime....
