Family Life Page: Advice Columns

ASK AUNT KRISTIN is dedicated to the questions, concerns, ideas and annoyances that come with being a Pagan Parent. I welcome all your questions and concerns and will answer all to the best of my ability. I too am learning as I go- parenting three children, Brittany, Josh and Jake. My husband Bart is not Pagan but is extremely supportive and does participate in everything he feels comfortable with. I am sure that is a common scenario that we will touch upon often. I want this to be an open forum for everything from problems to concerns to clever ideas. I would like to see this evolve into a give and take we will all find useful and informative. I look forward to hearing from you! My email is kpcandel@aol.com.

Q: How do I combine both celebrations and still keep everyone in the family happy?

A: Don't. Each holiday deserves it's own celebrations, complete with individual rituals and traditions. In our family both Bart and I come from strong Catholic/Christian upbringing and it is traditional to spend Christmas Eve with extended family and set out stockings for Santa. That is okay. I still made Yule a special day, complete with a special meal and decorations such as the Yule log and cranberry garland that my kids made. We talked about the meaning of Yule and watched the birth of the sun bundled up on the roof of our home. We celebrated the Winter Solstice with my circle and the Solstice fairy visited the children. I believe giving my kids the information about each tradition and belief will better prepare them to make their own decisions when the time comes. I was even asked to come and discuss the Winter Solstice/Yule at my son's school during the holidays. My son's wonderful teacher was having someone representing Hanukah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa come in and share. I thought that was great. Educating our kids is the best defense against discrimination.