With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can become easy to be swept up in the commercialism or the competitiveness and forget the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. In recent years, I have looked for Christ focused Christmas activities for my kids and in doing so, I have found that it has helped me as much as them to feel more peace during the holidays. It helps us all to look to God and to be thankful for the gift of Jesus, the most precious Christmas gift of all.
Image Copyright: ginosphotos / 123RF Stock Photo
Christ Focused Crafts and Activities:
We make sensory bottles in all kinds of themes and this year, I decided to create a Nativity Sensory Bottle.
I also re-used some of the same supplies and created a Nativity Slime and a Nativity Sensory Bag.
Manger Craft from here on The Chaos and The Clutter
25 Hands-On Nativity Lessons from Mama’s Happy Hive
Christ-Centered Advent Craft for Children from Housewife Eclectic
Christmas Story Bracelet and Poem from Adventures in Mommydom
One of our cherished holiday traditions are our Homemade Christmas Crackers with Scripture Verses. This Christ focused Christmas tradition is one that I adore.
Baby Jesus Envelope Craft from Mrs. Jones Creation Station
Names of Christ Tree from Mad in Crafts
Nativity Tree from Sun Hats and Wellie Boots or Make Your Own Nativity Tree
Nativity Christmas Worksheets from Learning 2 Walk
Nativity Sensory Bin from Growing Hands-On Kids
Nativity Chalk Silhouette from here on The Chaos and The Clutter
Matchbox Manger from The Craft Train
Nativity Song and Puppet Show from Let’s Play Music
Three Wise Men Playdough Invitation to Play from Growing Hands-on Kids
Lego Nativity Puzzles from I Can Teach My Child
Preschool Activity Pack including Do-a-Dot Sheet, Nativity Puzzle and Memory Game, Baby Jesus Maze and more from Teaching Mama
Lighted Shadowbox Nativity from I Can Teach My Child
Hands-On Nativity Story from Blessed Beyond a Doubt
Edible Baby Jesus Craft from Not Consumed
Bake a Birthday Cake and Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus
Acts of Christmas Kindness:
Kindness Countdown to Christmas from Coffee Cups and Crayons
Random Acts of Christmas Kindness from Not Consumed
Random Acts of Kindness Christmas Advent Calendar from Life Your Way
Alternate Advent Calendar – Acts of Kindness from Mum in the Madhouse
25 Days of Service from I Heart Naptime
22 Random Acts of Christmas Kindness from Pichea Place
Christmas Kindness Countdown Chain from Coffee Cups and Crayons
Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse) – Putting together a shoebox of school supplies, hygiene products and toys for a child in an impoverished area is a beautiful way to not only give back, but also to help kids focus on how fortunate they are. They can also include a letter and picture with the gift which makes it even more personal. It is a special thing to do that impacts not only the child on the receiving end, but the family or child on the giving end as well.
The Kindness Elves from The Imagination Tree – these are a great alternative to the Elf on the Shelf.
Family Resources:
The Little People Nativity Set allows even young children to practice the story of Christmas in a hands-on way.
The Christ-Centered Christmas Family Traditions Systems includes some fabulous ideas to get your family focused on the true meaning of the season. Some of my favourites include the Christmas gifts for Jesus, the 30 Day Christmas Acts of Kindness and the printable banners and posters for your home.
Truth in the Tinsel, an Advent Experience for Little Hands is 24 days of Scripture reading, ornament crafts, talking points and extension activities for the whole family.
Melk, the Christmas Monkey is a tool for teaching God’s character to children through 30 fun Bible lessons and activities that the family can all enjoy during the Advent season.Â
Christmas Colouring:
The Best Christmas Gift Colouring Book (free printable)
I Love Baby Jesus Printable Nativity Scene for Colouring and Pasting
For Unto Us a Child is Born Colouring Sheet
Christmas Children’s Books:
Room for a Little One: A Christmas TaleChristmas in the MangerWho is Coming to Our House?Song of the Stars: A Christmas StoryGod Gave Us ChristmasThe Christmas Baby (Classic Board Books)‘Twas the Evening of ChristmasThe Little Drummer BoyChristmas Time: It’s All About Jesus!Stable Where Jesus Was BornThe Christmas Baby (Classic Board Books)The First Christmas Night
Other:
Blessings Printable Gift Tags from Not Consumed
Family Nativity Scavenger Hunt from Joy in the Home
If you’re a parent or Sunday School teacher, you may also want to read these Bible object lessons that can be used with kids year-round.