Twelve Days of Christmas:
Twelve Quick Tips to Connect With Your Own Family This Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and possibly the busiest season for most ministry leaders. Set aside dates on your calendar now for family fun before it fills up with everything else. Whether your kids are young or grown, making time to connect with your family is a priceless investment.
Here are some ideas to get you started making memories together:
1.Remember When – Pull out pictures of Christmases past to look through together. People love to hear their stories told, especially those from childhood or about their parents before they were born.
2. Snowplace Like Home – If you live in colder climates, head outside for snow fun. Have a snowball fight, build a snow fort, or make a snowman together. If you don’t have snow, you can improvise with paper “snowballs” and Play-Doh or air-dry clay snowmen.
3. Sweet Treats – Who doesn’t like a frosted Christmas cookie? Bake a batch, mix up lots of frosting colors, and pull out the sprinkles. See who can create the best cookie design and who can frost the silliest cookie.
4. Community Care – Volunteer together for a local charity like bell-ringing, food pantry, or toy donation site.
5. Sounds of the Season – Whether you can carry a tune or make a joyful noise, go caroling in your neighborhood or to the homes of extended family and friends. Take special edible treats or homemade Christmas cards to give out.
6. Movie Marathon – Let each family member pick out their favorite Christmas movie and treat. Pile up the blankets and pillows, and enjoy munching and watching together.
7. Construction Competition – Choose your building materials: a store-bought kit, homemade gingerbread pieces, or even graham crackers. Split up into teams to see who can design and construct the most creative gingerbread structure.
8.Dress-up Dining – Put together a menu with your family’s favorite foods, and cook dinner together. Set the table with a tablecloth and your best dinnerware. Pull out your fancy clothes, light some candles, turn on Christmas music, and enjoy a special meal together.
9. Old-Fashioned Garland – String a popcorn and cranberry garland to decorate your indoor tree or on an outdoor tree as a snack for the birds. Air-popped plain popcorn works the best.
10. Seasonal Search – Create your own Christmas sights scavenger hunt or find one online. Go for a drive around town to see how many things you can check off your list.
11. Crafty Fun – Spend some time crafting together. Print out coloring pages, make homemade cards, create cinnamon ornaments (recipes available online) or other craft projects. These can be for your own home or to share with extended family and friends.
12. Nighttime Pajama Drive – Put on your cozy jammies and grab some hot cocoa. Hop in the car, crank up the Christmas tunes, and drive around your town to look at the lights.
Amy Diller began her career as an elementary teacher before moving into her current role of Co-Director of Children’s Ministry at Colonial Woods Missionary Church in Port Huron, MI. She is a life-long Michigander, wife to Jason, and mom to two college-aged daughters. Amy loves the smell of a new box of crayons, the feel of a book in her hands, and experiencing God’s Word through the eyes of kids. You can contact Amy at amy@cwmc.church.
Connect with your parents in less than five minutes!
Download & send these digital resources to your parents.
A PRAYER GUIDE FOR YOUR FAMILIES & 2 PARENT VIDEOS.
