Dec 2024 - OLPines Connection

“Keeping Christ in Christmas” is a wonderful mantra to help plan some simple ways we can help our little ones children focus on the true meaning of the season. Here are some family-friendly activities that can make Christ the center of your Christmas celebrations, fostering faith and joy along the way.

1. Create a Nativity Scene Together Building a nativity scene as a family offers a hands-on way to connect with the Christmas story. Whether you use clay, paper, or store-bought figurines, encourage your kids to participate in placing each figure, from Mary and Joseph to the shepherds and Wise Men. As you set up each part, share the story of each character’s role and significance in Jesus’ birth. This can be a beautiful way for children to learn about the humble beginnings of Christ’s life and the love that surrounded him.

2. Reenact the Christmas Story Encourage your children to bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life through a simple play or skit. With costumes and a little creativity, they can take on roles as Mary, Joseph, angels, and shepherds. This activity is not only fun but also helps them remember the events of that holy night. You might even invite friends or family to watch, creating a memorable experience that reinforces the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth. 3. Make a “Birthday Cake” for Jesus

Celebrating Jesus’ birth with a birthday cake can be a fun, tangible way to reinforce that Christmas is all about Him. Kids can help decorate the cake, and before cutting into it, say a prayer of thanks for Jesus and sing “Happy Birthday” to Him. This small tradition helps children see Christmas as a celebration of Jesus’ love.

4. Advent Prayers and Candle Lighting Incorporate a simple Advent wreath into your daily or weekly routine by lighting candles and saying prayers together. Explain to your kids that each candle represents a part of the journey toward Christmas: hope, peace, joy, and love. This ritual can bring peace to your household and remind everyone of the preparation leading to Jesus’ birth.

5. Acts of Kindness as Gifts to Jesus Encourage children to honor Jesus by giving gifts of kindness. Create a list together of small, meaningful acts they can do throughout December—helping a sibling, writing a thank-you note, or sharing toys. Each good deed can be written on a slip of paper and placed in a “gift box” for Jesus, showing kids that kindness is a way of honoring Christ’s love. With these activities, children can experience the joy of Christmas while understanding its true meaning. By centering the season around Christ, you’re giving them traditions they can cherish and carry forward, deepening their connection to their faith for years to come. BONUS: Participate in the Knights of Columbus “Keeping Christ in Christmas” Poster Contest!!

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