10 Tips for Kids at Christmas
Gifts, visits from family, fun TV shows, special movies, tasty cookies, new toys, games, parties at school, parties at church, Christmas songs are all things that kids (and adults) think about at Christmas. And honestly, those things aren’t bad, but none of them are the most important part. Christmas is a time when we celebrate the coming of the Savior – Jesus.
I am thankful for my parents who taught me the truth about Christmas. I am equally thankful for my wife who keeps that truth in front of our kids during such a significant time of year.
Here are some ways you can help your kids learn and remember the truth of Christmas.
- Toy manger scene – When the kids are young let them play with a toy manger scene. Use it to help them get used to the people and their names.
- Daily countdown – There are lots of different ways to help kids do a countdown. But help them get excited, not about the arrival of presents in an enlarged sock, but the celebration of the arrival of the Christ.
- Daily advent – There are several resources that can be used for this. Visit radical.net or lifeway.com for different advent options for your church or family.
- Toy purge – Empty out those toy boxes, shelves, cabinets, and closets and donate the toys and stuff to a place like Goodwill. This will remind your kids how much stuff they have already. Remind them that while gifts are fun; the gifts are just a part of the celebration.
- Baking – Kids love helping bake cookies, brownies, or even those “no-bake” type treats. Encourage them to share the sweet treats with neighbors and friends. Use it as a way to share the love of Christ with others.
- Limited gifts – Don’t go overboard with what you give your kids. It is so easy to do, but don’t feel like you are a bad parent if you don’t get them everything on their list. Help them see that it is not with more stuff that they will be satisfied.
- Hospital visits – If possible, take them to the local hospital or nursing home to deliver candy canes, etc. This will remind them that the Christmas season is difficult for some people.
- Caroling – Singing the truths of Christmas is always a great way to remember them. Join together with friends and family and sing those songs at other houses or those same nursing homes or hospitals.
- Decorating – Make sure that your decorations include manger scenes. It will help your kids regularly see the meaning of Christmas.
- Read the story – Make sure they hear the story of Christmas straight from Scripture!
Author: Chad Hunsberger, Lead Pastor, Colonial Heights
