Every year we are inundated with the commercialism of toys, Santa, cookies, etc. that surrounds us. Involving our children/grandchildren into the weeks of Advent is a most important initiative if we are to teach them that Christmas is, if fact, about the coming of Christ! As we prepare for this important yearly celebration, children can “prepare” in so many ways just by accomplishing simple, good deeds.
Yes, we are all busy but, here is an idea that won’t take a lot of time…
Each child cuts out a simply drawn undecorated Christmas tree shape. You probably will want to give a height and width dimension to follow so they are all about the same size. Tape them up on your refrigerator, door or any place that is is visible to the family during most of the day. Purchase a bag of sticky stars from the $ store or wherever you find them. During the weeks of Advent, each time they accomplish a good deed, they put a star on the the tree. Here are just a few ways of earning stars… Involve the family in a discussion about more ways they can think of to earn stars.
- Set the table
- Clean up after dinner
- Feed the birds
- Initiate asking how they can help you with something
- Open the door for someone
- Invite a friend to come to church with you, or to one of our church events
- Tell someone that you love them…with meaning
- Donate Toys, clothing, etc.
- Make Christmas cards and give them to a nursing home
- Say your daily prayers (without a reminder) or lead Grace before meals prayers
We are all called to Evangelize Our Faith and you are never too young to begin. Good deeds play an important part important of becoming a great evangelizer! Enjoy this family activity:-)
