A Christmas Memory

A Christmas Memory... 👠👠👠
I suppose every generation has had some type of Christmas "behavior modification" tool that they used for their children during the weeks before Christmas.  Elf on the Shelf had not been born yet when I had children. So when they were very young, I wanted to downplay the myth that Santa only gave good gifts to children who behaved appropriately.
I had read a magazine article about instilling the art of "loving your neighbor" during this time of year.  Bickering and gripping between brother and sisters, seemed to be a frequent visitor in our house. This  prompted me to think that perhaps this feeling of goodwill should start among my own children. With that thought in mind, I resurrected an old doll cradle and lined it with a blanket. Then I gathered a bucket and filled it with straw. I put both the empty cradle and the bucket of straw under the Christmas tree. Then that night after reading the Christmas story, I reminded my little ones, that it was the willing gift of Gods son, that Jesus was the reason for the season.
In light of that, I motioned to the straw and cradle. I mentioned that the cradle was empty but it could be filled by each child doing nice things for each other. For example, if child A gave in to child B and willingly gave their toy back, child A would have done something nice for their sibling and therefore be allowed to put one piece of straw into the cradle? Another example might be making a siblings bed...without their knowledge...all things done were to be done without seeking praise from the recipient. ...and the added straw was to be added to the cradle without someone seeing.
I wasn't sure if this would work since my children were so young. But, believe it or not, my house environment became much more enjoyable...and the cradle was nice and full of hay before Christmas.
I am not sure if any of my kids even remember this as it was only done for a couple of years. But, I dare say, all of my children today, are very giving adults. I would like to think that somewhere along the line, the true meaning of Christmas was instilled in them.