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Here's a simple Christ-centered Christmas tradition that will help kids think about others during the holiday season.
As a family we have a favorite tradition that I carried on from when I was a kid. It has helped us focus on Christ and also encourages us all to look for ways to serve during the holidays.
GIFTS FOR JESUS SUPPLIES
- A wooden box or basket (I snagged mine at a thrift store)
- small baby doll
- Scrap of white fabric
- Raffia or straw
HOW TO GIVE GIFTS TO JESUS
Starting in December we place our manger (wooden box) by our Christmas tree with a bag of hay or raffia nearby. Each time someone in our family does something nice for someone else they get to put a piece of hay in the manger. We work together to assure there's a nice, soft bed by Christmas morning when we wake to find Baby Jesus lying in the manger.
Since my boys are still young, I try to point out times they've been nice, or help to give them ideas of things they could do to place some hay in the manger. They catch on quick and then get so excited to serve. It's a great way to remember our Savior and to give Him a gift as we celebrate His birth.
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*So Festive for Kids is a series contributed by Andrea, a creative mom to 3 boys who always has a fun idea for the little ones. All photos and ideas are original to her.
Kathy Hicks says
I love this idea!
I am going to use this in my preschool class. Whenever someone does something kind for another person, they can write their name on a strip of manila paper and add it to the manger for Jesus. Thanks for sharing!