Saturday, November 27, 2010

Our Christmas Plan

This is our plan for the Christmas season, for Christmas day and following up through Epiphany:


Christmas
Music:            Messiah Part I, No. 13-17
Joy to the World
Art:                  The Adoration of the Shepherds, Rembrandt
Symbol:         Nativity
Crafts:             Make garlands for birds
Make Light of the World mural
Write thank you notes

December 25
Scripture:        Luke 2:1-7
Crafts:             Cut out shapes such as stars or candles from construction paper, two copies for each shape, and cut various holes in both copies.  Glue tissue paper over the holes on one shape, then fit the other shape on top and glue both together to make “stained glass”.  This reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World who has now come.

December 26
Scripture:        Luke 2: 8-20
Read or sing “Good King Wenceslaus” since this is St. Stephen’s Day.

December 27
Scripture:        Luke 2:21-40

December 28
Scripture:        Matthew 2:1-18

Epiphany (January 9 this year)
Bake fancy cake with beans or large nuts inside to represent the gifts of the wise men.  (Include enough beans or nuts for each child to find one.)

Gifts to Give to Children

Here are some ideas for Christmas gifts for kids, from things I'm giving or thinking of giving this year.

For a primary school or older girl, a set:
  • Just the Right Words, a book of sentiments to write in cards
  • Blank notecards
  • Perhaps some fancy pens

Or alternatively, these books by Laura Ingalls Wilder:

For an older preschool or elementary child, another set:

For a little boy, a couple of set options:

For an elementary-age boy, a couple of set options:

Other random items: