“…a Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
December is an exciting month at Little Footprints Learning Center. Christmas is in the air with all the joy and excitement it brings. Winter is around the corner, days are getting shorter and cooler and we all hope snow is on the way! But the best part of this time of year is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The teachers at Little Footprints are grateful for the opportunity to partner with our school parents in teaching the children about the First Christmas so long ago when Jesus was born. We are able to tell and retell the familiar, yet wonderful story of Christ’s birth through books, music and poetry. The children are also retelling the story through art and drama and making many wonderful surprises for a very special birthday party for Jesus.
As you celebrate Christmas at home, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season. An easy way to make Christmas truly meaningful for your children is to make or purchase a nativity set and set it up with your children. Select a set that is sturdy enough for young fingers to handle and move. Tell the story of Christmas while putting it together. Then, throughout the Christmas season, review it and allow your children to move the figures while you read Luke 2:1-20. You’ll be amazed at how often your child goes over to the nativity and reenacts the Christmas story while you are doing something else.
Other ideas for celebrating Christmas with your children in a meaningful way could include:
- Help your child make simple gifts to give to friends, neighbors and family members.
- Find a special Christmas event in your area such as the Living Nativity at Millington Baptist Church on Saturday, December 13, 5pm – 6:30pm, in which the whole family can experience the first Christmas through drama, singing and crafts.
- Go Christmas caroling as a family.
- Bake cookies with your child to give to friends, neighbors or shut-ins.
- Read Bible stories about Jesus’ birth to them during quiet times at home.
- On Christmas Eve, attend a family church service or spend time as a family re-reading the biblical account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. Talk with your children about how God first gave us the best present we could ever have, Jesus.
- Celebrate Christmas Day with a birthday cake for Jesus. Young children even enjoy singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Christmas with your children, may God bless you and your family this Christmas season.
