and arrangements inside stores that show Christmas sceneries. 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 get to sit or stand with Santa Claus, talk with
him and most importantly, get a picture taken with Santa. Those children, like
pre-teens and teenagers, who may be too old for Santa Claus can also be
entertained by the various grand Christmas displays as well as one of their
favorite activity - 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 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 light 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 at quaint
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 tree
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, in a similar like they would have seen
the President do on television.
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, experience the magic of Christmas and create memories
that will last a lifetime.
