While adults indulge in the festivities and revel in enjoying the spirit of

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.

Although adults like to receive gifts, many will readily forego the

adults.

It was very humorous, as parents once related how on Christmas Day when

their child opened a Christmas gift and was pleased, they pretended to be a bit

saddened that Santa Claus didn't bring them any Christmas present. The child

responded, 'Because you bad mummy and daddy. You make me stand in corner.'

Toys are therefore a significant part of Christmas. Parents go all out for

children, they make the extra effort to give children something really special

such as what the child wishes, desires or longs for. It may be a toy such as a

particular type of doll, a dream dollhouse or an item like a bike or train set,

or motorized vehicle. The fun of getting a toy at Christmas begins earlier for

children as they start to make their wish list and anticipate getting one or

more of what they desire.

For teenagers, the most desired toy may not be a toy in the real sense of

the word. A toy, in today's casual speech, can mean a favorite gadget such as an

ultra-stylish cell phone, an iPod, MP3 player, electronic organizer or even a

computer.

Toy sales at Christmas play a major role in the economics of retailers in the

toy industry. Toy makers use the Christmas season to release new and updated

products with the hope of capturing a significant slice of the billions of

dollars that consumers spend during the holidays.

The strategy among toy makers has been to release a new product that hope will

be the 'must-have' toy for the season. Consequently, they try to create buzz

about the product and have a specific release date, all with the hope that

parents and other consumers will clamor for the item and even make it sold-out

or hard to obtain as the season progresses. Such driving demand can easily

justify a spike in the price of the item.

Toys have also evolved beyond dolls, trains and cars to be very

interactive and educational. The popularity of educational toys and the presence

of increased technology have combined to produce many toys that are highly

computerized.

Receiving a toy as a gift at Christmas can play an important role in

creating a lasting memory. When a child gets the right toy - one that is highly

desired or is surprised by a wonderful toy - he or she will remember the feeling

it brought for a lifetime and recall it whenever there's talk of which Christmas

was a favorite. It also helps to create a tradition as the child becomes an

adult nd wants to recapture a similar feeling by seeking to do the same for his

or her own child.

Then, there are the children with a wish list that's basically a hope to get

something, any toy at Christmas. Many companies, businesses, churches and social

organizations arrange to have members donate new and age appropriate toys that

are distributed to children in need. Putting a smile on the faces of those

children will create warm memories about Christmas and Santa Claus for them. And

by participating in a charitable effort, the donors are themselves Santa Claus

and spreaders of goodwill and cheer that embody the meaning of Christmas.