Christian Christmas Children's Activities

Use Christmas to teach children about the birth of Jesusbaby jesus image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com

In the modern world, the religious meaning of Christmas often gets lost. Rather than wise men and mangers, Christmas is often more about Santa Claus and gifts. For the religious family looking to celebrate the birth of Jesus, there are a number of Christian Christmas activities for children. Keep your children entertained with arts, crafts and activities that celebrate the Christian aspect of the holiday.

Coloring

Coloring scenes from the nativity and other Christmas stories offers an opportunity to discuss the Christian history of Christmas. You don't need to buy a coloring book from a store. A number of websites provide free coloring sheets, so all you need is a printer. Crayons and markers in the hands of children will bring the coloring sheets to life. Discuss the specific Bible story detailed in each coloring sheet scene.

While a number of Christmas carols are secular in nature ("Frosty the Snowman" or "Here Comes Santa Claus"), there are a number of Christmas carols that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas ("Joy to the World" or "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"). Teach children a number of these songs, then have a sing-along. You can go door to door with a group of children singing songs about the birth of Jesus and why it is important to Christians.

The Christmas recital is a time-honored tradition. Present a Christian-based production that focuses on the real meaning of Christmas. Children will learn more as they step into the shoes of the Bible characters they portray. Keep the focus on Jesus rather than Santa Claus and presents.

Children can easily create their own replicas of Jesus's manger using common objects found around the home or at your local market. Glue and wooden ice cream sticks make the framework of a manger. Children can cover the ice cream stick framework using poster board, paper or construction paper. The covering can be decorated using art supplies including markers, crayons and paint. A small baby doll or toy can act as a figure of the baby Jesus.

Children can make their own Advent calendars, a craft project that keeps on giving until Christmas morning. Construct an Advent calendar using matchbooks. Take the matches out and you have ready- made calendar squares. Write the date on the front of each matchbook. On the inside, add a small image that represents something from the Biblical story of Christmas. Mount the matchbooks to poster board using glue.