This is a really simple, fun way to pray around Christmas. You could do this at home, or as part of a party or even a service! Blow up the balloons and write or draw on each something you love about Christmas. (This works best with Sharpies, but *Warning* they do stain clothes.) Play some … Read more
A few years ago my children were really into Lego, so I planned some ways to explore the Christmas story using Lego. You can buy a set online but, like these ones, they’re not cheap and only feature a small number of the characters actually mentioned in the Bible story, so here are a few … Read more
a beautiful version of the Christmas story Title: On Angels’ Wings Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Quentin Blake Published by: Egmont UK RRP: £5.99 or only £2.90 here Best for: families looking for a different route into the Christmas story, full of wonder and beauty Best bit: glorious story telling by Michael matched by stunning illustration by Quentin – a match made in … Read more
I love colouring and I love Christmas, so this Nativity I-spy Colouring Poster is a perfect combination. I’m also a big fan of using the activities we do around Christmas to celebrate Jesus in some way, so here are some ideas on how you can use this colouring poster: 1 Just colour it. Use it … Read more
It’s December, the last month in what has been a pretty dreadful year in many ways. How do we celebrate Christmas? In order to work out our answer to that question, I’ve got three questions (I’ve put each in three different ways – make your choice!): What is your family like? / What do you … Read more
Title: The Nativity By: Bethan Lycett and Hannah Stout Price: £3.50 Published by: 10 of those Useful for: children aged 2-7 Best bit: The lovely artwork and simple, easy-to-read Christmas story including Simeon and Anna Worst bit: The rhyme isn’t always as smooth as it could be, but still enjoyable. More: This is a simple, … Read more
Title: Love came down By: Bethan Lycett and Hannah Stout Price: £3.99 for 1, in a pack as low as £1 each Published by: 10 of those Useful for: children age 2-7 Best bit: It tells the whole story of Jesus, including why he was born. My favourite page is the picture of the boy … Read more
Here’s an activity to explore a well known part of the Christmas Bible story. Read Luke 1:26-38, preferably from a read-aloud-family-friendly Bible such as the Contemporary English Version. (It sounds like a lot to read, but it’s only really 3 paragraphs.) You might like to try this Bible idea for helping everyone concentrate: Invent an … Read more
I run a group for families which meets every other and week. We meet outside and explore nature together in fun ways for an hour or two, before the children play in the playground and the Mums stand and chat. For Christmas, I’m planning an outdoor party, something which follows the same format as our … Read more
Read the story from Matthew 2 or listen to it being read by David Suchet. Invite everyone to chat or think about the impact the star had on the wise men, what impact did it have in their lives? The sorts of things they might say include that: it guided them when they saw it, … Read more
Title: The Promise and the Light By: Katy Morgan Published by and available from The Good Book Company Best bit: 25 short chapters telling the story of Jesus’ birth in an imaginative, but true-to-the-Bible way, perfect for children aged 5-11 years old Worst bit: no pictures, and I would love an audio version! More thoughts: … Read more
Title: The Adventure of Christmas By: Ed Drew RRP: £6.99 Published by and available from: The Good Book Company Best bit: Short but meaningful daily Advent devotionals with a picture for each day and something for all ages – from under-fives to adults! Worst bit: Only a few creative activities for people with other learning … Read more