Here are 5 Christmas ideas to consider for your family. You’ll notice these activities are free or almost free. Sometimes just giving a twist to a normal activity makes all the difference in pointing your family towards the real meaning of Christmas.
1. Take a walk around your neighborhood in search of Christmas lights. It’s fun to bundle up and have an adventure right past your doorstep. Vote on which house is the best overall, most creative, and personal favorite. Give your child a flashlight for this adventure (plus the light is great for safety). Talk as you walk about how Jesus is the light of the world and how the light shines through the darkness.
“Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'” – John 8:12
2. Write notes for Jesus instead of putting out cookies for Santa. The night before Christmas, have your family write individual notes of thanks to Jesus. Fold them up and put them under the tree. On Christmas morning, read the notes aloud.
“I will tell of Your greatness.” Psalm 145:6
3. Make or buy photo ornaments. Put your child’s picture in it and date the back. Any child, and especially younger kids, gets a kick out of seeing his photograph on the tree. Cup your child’s face in your hands and say, “Jesus sees you on our Christmas tree, and He can see you every day, wherever you are!”
“Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
4. Have a birthday party for Jesus. Invite your family and maybe even a handful of friends. Read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and have the kids act out the different parts. Use scarves and coats to dress as shepherds, Mary and Joseph. A doll or stuffed animal makes a fine baby Jesus. Enjoy a birthday cake for baby Jesus and celebrate His birth, the best birthday of all.
“She gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
5. Play Name that Christmas Tune. Play the first few seconds of traditional Christmas carols like Hark the Herald, O Little Town of Bethlehem or We Three Kings. Have your children guess the carols.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14
Which activity are you going to try?
