Making meaningful Christmas memories Christmas is magical

Regardless of age, it transports us back to our childhood: tinsel on the tree, stockings hung by the fireplace, colourful packages needing to be shaken, and traditional celebrations with faithful friends and relatives. For children, this holiday is still being written upon their future memories. This is why it is important that children remember the package in precious truths about how God’s love reached out to a dying world, one silent night in a town called Bethlehem.Children must remember how shepherds watching their flocks received a surprise visit from heavenly creatures, showing that God is for everyone, regardless of their social stature. How angels announced peace for mankind, on whom God’s favour rests, proving that our Intelligent Designer isn’t the kind to create things and then walk away. How good news about our Saviour spread throughout the world, explaining why we still celebrate today.So this Christmas, as you reveal the greatest story ever told, try these fun-filled age-appropriate activities that will you, and adults, back to the true meaning of the holiday, when we celebrate Emmanuel. • Focus on others this season by making use of those Christmas cards received in the mail. As a family, place the cards in a basket on the dinner table; taking turns each night drawing one out. Then pray together for that person or family.• Start a family tradition by picking out a new holiday picture book to read each Christmas Eve.• Report about different countries and how they spend their Christmas. Prepare a seasonal dish to share, or demonstrate a song or folkdance. Pray for the people of that culture so that they too might understand the meaning of God’s love.Consider making each Sunday leading up to Christmas special by lighting a candle, reading passages from scriptures, and serving yummy desserts!www.focusonthefamily.com