It’s December and Christmas will be here in no time. Do you have some fun activities planned? You may already have your usual holiday fun-list in mind, or maybe you are looking for something new and fun to try this year! Here are five ways to share the Christmas story as a family. These are just ideas. Make these activities your own by tailoring them to your own family situation or style.
Through Art.
Teach your kids about creation, salvation, and Jesus’ resurrection (which ties in the bigger picture of the Christmas story) as you make artwork.
Point out simple truths. When you see ice sculptures, ask your kids if it was made by accident or created. Talk about how God created everything with a design just like the sculptor. Cutting snowflakes? Don’t forget to remind your kids that each and every snowflake is different just like people are different, yet God loves us all! If you make glittery pinecone ornaments, you can talk about how God collects the ordinary moments (like collecting ordinary fallen pinecones) of our life and makes them into something beautiful when we hand them over to him.
Use artwork to point to Him and weave in different truths that point to Christ.
Through Baking.
Cookie cutters, icing, and sprinkles – oh my! Making cookies can be messy, but it is a fun way to let the kids help. Buy or borrow a star-shaped cookie cutter. Make some sugar cookie stars or these fun fruitcake cookies. Take these fun and festive treats to neighbors.
Share with your kids how Jesus is the Light of the World.
Share how Jesus came into our world to be a great Light.
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46 NIV)
Or share how we are called to be the light.
“You are the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14a NIV)
Or share how the magi came from the east to Jerusalem and asked,
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2 NIV)
Through Tradition.
Advent is a beautiful tradition. The word, Advent actually comes from a Latin word meaning “coming.” Advent is celebrated for four Sundays leading up to Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. This is a time meant to set one’s focus and heart on Christ. There are Advent calendars and/or wreaths to help count down the days and remember the Christmas story. Traditionally, there are four different colored candles lit each week. Your family might enjoy the rich history and liturgical celebration of Advent. For extra fun, your family can create your own Advent calendar.
Through Presence.
Be together. Act out the Christmas Story. Watch movies depicting the true Christmas story. String popcorn together while you listen to a radio drama of the Christmas story. Go on a Christmas light scavenger hunt in the neighborhood to see which family member can find the most nativity scenes.
Just be together and share in each other’s presence.
Through Scripture.
Read the Biblical account of the Christmas Story together every year. It may not seem “fun” to all of the family members every year, but it will be faith-filled and that’s most important.
The fun of sharing the story will be in answering your children’s precious questions, snuggling up together, and remembering the true reason for the season.
