7 Ideas for a Fun Family Christmas

1. Gifts for Jesus

Jesus Christ invited us to hold up our light—Him! (See 3 Nephi 18:24.) We can do that by serving, loving, and acting the way He does. Think of a way you can help others experience His light. (See page 20 for ideas!) Write or draw your idea and put it where you can see it, like on your Christmas tree. Spend the days before Christmas lighting the world like Jesus did!

2. Window Lights

In Ireland, some families put candles in their windows to symbolize welcoming Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus into their home. Put a light in your window or somewhere else in your house to welcome Jesus Christ and anyone who visits you.

3. Service Manger

Make or find a box to represent the manger baby Jesus slept in. Every time you serve someone (or see someone else serving), put a piece of string, paper, or straw in the manger to make it soft for Him. For extra fun, do your service secretly!

4. Star Gazing

In Poland, some families wait for the first star to come out before having dinner on Christmas Eve. Find a clear night to watch the sky and remember the star that appeared when Jesus Christ was born. Or if you can’t see the stars, draw some of your own and hang them up!

5. Crafty Cards

Write, decorate, and deliver a note to someone who needs a little extra love this Christmas. (Hint: Pretty much everyone needs some extra love! The possibilities are endless.)

6. Deck(orate) the Halls

Use things around your house to make Christmas decorations. You could make paper snowflakes (some places get snow at Christmastime), painted rocks, paper chains, strings of popcorn—anything! Check out Spencer’s story on page 4 and Sadie’s story on page 36 to see what decorations they made.

7. World Tradition Swap

With your family, look up Christmas traditions online from another country. Try a few! They might surprise you.