Celebrating Christmas with kids
We all know Christmas is an exciting time of year for kids. Presents, decorations, carols and yummy treats – there is so much to enjoy!
It’s a big celebration because Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. Because Jesus was born, we can have joy, hope and purpose. This may feel like a big message to help little people understand, so we’ve put together some resources and activities to help you share the true meaning of Christmas with the kids in your life in a fun, simple way.
The Christmas story for kids
God is our Creator and he loves us. His son is Jesus. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. This is Jesus’ birth story.
A young woman called Mary was told by an angel that she would become the mother of Jesus.
When the time came for Mary to give birth to Jesus, she travelled with her husband Joseph to Bethlehem. It was very busy there and there were no guest rooms for them to stay in. They were offered a place to sleep in what was probably a barn or stable for animals. Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid him in a manger (where an animal eats).
Angels then appeared to some shepherds, sharing with them the good news of Jesus’ birth. Jesus is the King of Heaven, and he has come to Earth to be with us and give us peace and joy, they said. (The Christmas carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing tells us about this event.)
The shepherds went to visit Jesus in his manger. They praised and worshipped him, then told everyone else about it. They had lots of joy and happiness – and every Christmas, we remember that and have lots of joy, too!
Free Christmas activities for kids
The Salvation Army’s Kidzone team have lots of fun, free Christmas activities on their website including colouring sheets, a puzzle worksheet, printable ‘Good News’ newspaper about the Christmas story, a Santa letter template and a Christmas road trip activity sheet.
Plus, if you visit your local Salvos church or Salvos Store, you can pick up a copy of their weekly kids’ magazine or (depending on when you visit) their special Christmas edition, perfect for kids aged 5-12. This year’s Christmas issue is packed full of Christmas stories, cooking, comics, craft and a competition.
Helping kids think about others at Christmas
Christmas in Australia for kids is typically filled with visits to Santa at the shopping centre, outside carols services on warm evenings and toys on Christmas morning. But Christmas is not all about what we get. Although Christmas is a time to celebrate the good gift of Jesus that God gave to us, it’s also a time to share that gift of love and kindness with others.
This year, add a 12 Days of Goodness Advent Calendar into your family’s Christmas activities. In the lead up to Christmas, find a way to give and receive all that is good.
You may also like to get involved with the Salvos as a volunteer. It’s a great way to connect as a family while serving your community and teaching your kids about the value of helping others.