At First Parish, we understand that parents are the primary religious educators of their children.

First Parish, Unitarian Universalist, Lexington, MA

We know that most Unitarian Universalist parents are eager to create a faith-rich home environment. Few, however, have the confidence or congregational support to do so. At no time of year is this more evident than in the holiday season.

This is a magical, crazy season for families. Children are silly with excitement, anticipating all the things the season brings. With Advent, Chanukah, Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, there is plenty of room for frenzy and exuberance. Parents work very hard during December to find a balance between the consumer culture of "more and better" and their longing to share with their children the mystery and wonder that shimmers on the surface of this season. Long dark nights, the bitter cold, the magic of candles and tiny lights are all invitations for families to sit together in stillness, to slow down, to connect to mystery and the spirit of life. Does Unitarian Universalist faith help parents slow down with their children and consider what can be learned in these teachable moments?

Many parents and grandparents hope to build seasonal rituals to pass on the precious and most meaningful traditions of their own childhoods. They want to honor and celebrate the values they hold dear as a family. They strive to balance the traditions of their original and extended families with the unique family they are now. Does their Unitarian Universalist faith help them develop the spiritual tenacity to navigate the emotional pull of their family's multiple generations?

Parents are the primary religious educators of their children. However, Unitarian Universalist congregations sometimes unintentionally assume a parental responsibility by providing child-specific education programs without connecting those back to the home. A parent's active expression of their own UU faith will trump almost any experience a child has in

 [read more]