Some Ideas to Make More of the Holidays

With all the bustle and obligations of the holidays, it is easy to get distracted from what is truly important. Not just to miss enjoying it, but in using it as an opportunity for worship, both for yourself and those family or guests celebrating with you.
Here are a few practical ideas, especially geared to family life, that can ‘jumpstart’ your own thoughts on how to spotlight Christ in our holiday activities. (Not in a ‘family’ setting? Simply tweak a bit to accomplish the same goal on an individual basis! )

Thanksgiving:

(Younger) Up to a week before Thanksgiving, trace a basic turkey ‘trunk’ and head from brown construction paper (Google a pattern if you need to.) Cut out 8-10 brightly colored construction paper feathers. Sit down with (young) family members and have them brainstorm things for which we can be thankful to God. Write one (or two) on each feather & post the feathers behind the brown head/body in a central location. On Thanksgiving, gather together and have each family member take a feather and thank God (in one group prayer) for the item written in. Display the turkey to remind of God’s provision and goodness.

(Older) Before Thanksgiving, gather the family to discuss all the things God has done/given for which we can be thankful. Brainstorm and list verses which tell of God’s goodness in some way. Assign one of the verses to each person who is to 1) Copy the verse in its entirety on a 3x5 card, and 2) write on the back how God has done/given this in his/her own life. Share the cards (front & back) with the whole group/family at some point in your Thanksgiving celebration. Finish with group prayer to thank God.

(Any) Have children write out and decorate 3x5 card (or just type out) verses which tell of God’s goodness. Place one on each place-setting for Thanksgiving dinner. Before the prayer, go around and have each person read aloud their verse and specifying what it says He has given/done. Variation: The verse can be written on the back side of a name card and read aloud, as above. Variation Two: Intersperse verses which specify attributes of God (faithfulness, holiness, mercy, etc.) in the list along with what He gives/does.

(Younger or Older) Before the hectic day’s schedule gets going, gather the family together to thank God for His goodness. Read Ps. 119:68 & James 1:17 (or other verses on God’s goodness). Brainstorm God’s goodness in two categories: 1)Who He is and 2) What He’s done/given. Copy each on individual slips of paper. Have group prayer to thank God for his goodness in these ways. Then, place them in a small jar. In the weeks ahead, pull one slip from the jar each dinner time and/or before bed to thank/praise God in prayer as a family. Note: We find it much easier to focus on what God gives; give ample emphasis and explanation (as is age appropriate) to Who He is!

Each of these ideas can be modified or even combined to make your own ‘just-right-for-your-family’ activity. Grandparents can choose or design an idea for your granchild(ren). Or better yet, you may have another more creative idea for you and your loved ones to make this “Thanks-giving” day a true day to give thanks to God.

If you have a Thanksgiving idea, will you share it by leaving a comment?

(And no, burping loudly at the table after the delicious meal does not count, no matter how proficient your child may be at this :-)

(We’ll move on to some Christmas ideas next….)