This year during the famed “Black Friday Shopping Weekend” it was reported by the National Retail Federation (NRF) that a record 247 million shoppers spent an average of $423, which totals $59.1 billion in spending.
The majority of this spending was done all in the name of Christmas.
“Christmas is the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus. Today, Christmas is largely secularized and dominated by gifts, decorated trees and a jolly Santa Claus,” says Corey Duncan associate youth pastor at New Beginnings Fellowship Church.
According to gospel singer and songwriter Kirk Franklin, people have taken Christ from Christmas and filled it with earthly joy. Like Frosty and Rudolph and even a little drummer boy, but they need to know that Christ is Christmas.
“Although Christmas has been secularized, it’s important that our children realize and recognize its true meaning,” Duncan said. “The church must make this a priority for our kids by preaching and teaching its true significance as well as implementing activities and events that commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Through events, games and some insightful messages, this year’s youth festivities could be unforgettable. Listed below are some ideas that can be implemented this holiday season.
Insightful Message
Instead of just teaching the usual Christmas message, include some 21st century jazz in it. Add live actors, music and cool scenery. Make it relate to the audience ultimately creating a deeper connection. Ask youth leaders to participate as well.
Helping Hands
Pick a nursing home or hospital to visit for the holidays. Decorate cards and come bearing a gift to those that would otherwise spend the holidays alone. Add a special twist by singing Christmas carols, reading a book or playing a card game with them.
Youthful Chatter
Get your ideas from the people that know themselves the best – kids. Ask them what they want to see implemented this year. Feed off of their ideas. Or create a focus group of kids that plan the event and present their ideas to the leaders for approval. This will encourage more participation.
Christmas Party
Pick a theme and have everything evolve around that idea. There are a plethora of choices from Ugly Christmas Sweaters to Christmas in July. Pick a dress code, appetizers, a message, and games all centered on that theme. It’ll be fun to see how everyone interprets the topic.
Shoe Box Presents
Dig up a shoebox and fill it with all kinds of sweet treats. Candy, toys or crafts will suffice. Make it more meaningful by involving loved ones or the community to donate to your project. When you are satisfied with your collection give it away to senior citizens at the church. Add your personality by decorating the box and including a handwritten letter. Make it more memorable by visiting their home for the holidays too.
Christmas Karaoke
Gather the favorite Christmas tunes and get ready to hit the stage. Pick a handful of songs that your youth group can jam out to. Create a sign-up list for contestants and narrow it down to the Top 5, Top 3 and so on as different people showcase their talent. Crown the winner by the end of the night. Make it more fun by having the youth group dress up for the occasion and add a host to keep the crowd energetic. Don’t forget to have an intermission including an insightful message and snacks.
