By Linda Williams (Kindred Mentor Mom)
Christmas traditions leave lasting memories. The real reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of God’s son, Jesus Christ. There are many ways to get children involved with activities about the birth of Christ.
To focus on the true meaning and message of Christmas can start as early when a child can hold objects in their hands. Nativities are a great way to display the story of Jesus and the manger in your home. There are kid friendly Nativity scenes that enable little hands to have their own verses not touching the fragile family heirloom set. It gives valuable opportunity to learn about the birth of Jesus and acting out the story. Also read the story of Jesus birth and simultaneously the nativity complements as an object lesson.
Another highly recommended resource available in sharing the good news of Jesus’ arrival through books. Today there are both traditional books and electronic (eBooks) Books. There are options for infants (soft/board) books and picture ones for toddlers and preschoolers.
Advent calendars come in many forms. The traditional ones are most affordable and can be displayed similar to a calendar. Prepare for Christmas by opening a window each day during Advent to reveal a special picture telling the story of baby Jesus.
Lastly, there are some tangible fun activities/videos that can create fun and lasting family traditions:
- Wrap a present under the tree for Jesus (Example; an ornament reflecting true meaning of Christmas.)
- Have an heirloom (fragile) nativity set. Beginning December 1st – Hide baby Jesus in a different spot starting the furthest spot away from the manger and the next day pick a closer spot towards it until it eventually can be placed between Mary and Joseph.
- Bake a Jesus Birthday cake and sing “Happy Birthday” to Him on Christmas Day.
I recommend checking out Lifeway Christian bookstore or online store Christian Book Distributors. They each carry resources illustrating the true Biblical meaning of Christmas.
Nativity Sets:
Fisher-Price’s Little People: The Christmas Story
The Donkey in the Living Room Nativity Set
Books:
The Donkey in the Living Room; A Tradition that Celebrates the Real Meaning of Christmas
The Christmas Story for Children
Ebooks:
Advent Calendars:
Shepherd on the Search Advent Activity Set
The Story of Christmas Story Book Set & Advent Calendar
Adventures in Odyssey Advent Activity Calendar
