Content:
- What is Christmas? The story of the Nativity for children
- Fasting before Christmas
- Christmas Eve
- Carols
- Christmas presents
Questions for children about Christmas
- What was the name of the emperor who organized the census?
- What city were Joseph and Mary heading to?
- Why did Joseph and Mary have to spend the night in the shepherds' cave?
- What was the name of the baby who was born to Joseph and Mary?
- What happened in heaven with the birth of Jesus?
- What is the name of a cattle feeder?
- How did the shepherds know about the birth of the Savior?
- Who are the Magi?
- What is Christmas Eve?
- When does Christmas Eve start?
- What is kutya?
- What do you know about carols?
- Tell us what a nativity scene is?
- Why is the holiday from January 6 to 7 called Christmas?
- What are the new words you learned today from the story about Christmas?
Joint activities such as Christian Christmas games, drawings on the theme of the Nativity, and Proverbs about Christmas for children will also help to tell your child about the Nativity of Christ. And don’t forget about Christmas gifts for children either.
New Year's holidays alternate one after another. It is important for children to understand the difference between the fairy-tale character Santa Claus and the church Jesus Christ, and to know the history of religion. This idea, laid down from childhood, will play a big role in life.
What is Christmas?
Christmas is an annual holiday celebrated by Orthodox Christians around the world on January 7 in honor of the birth of the son of God Jesus Christ, the savior of people.
However, not all Christians in the world celebrate Christmas on this day. Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas on December 25 according to the Gregorian calendar. And the Armenian Church celebrates it on January 6. And although in Christianity this holiday is considered the birthday of Jesus Christ, the exact date of his birth is unknown.
The story of the Nativity for children
A children's Bible will be an excellent assistant to parents in explaining the origin and meaning of Christmas. According to scripture, Jesus was the son of Mary. Before his birth, God sent an angel to her, who said that she would soon give birth to an unusual child - the Son of God. Mary became pregnant from the holy spirit, and the righteous Joseph, to whom she was betrothed, decided to secretly let her go. However, in a dream an angel came to him and asked him to accept Mary, for her baby was the son of God and he was destined to save people from their sins.
It so happened that Mary and her husband Joseph ended up in the city of Bethlehem. When they arrived there, it was already night, the family tried for a long time to find accommodation for the night, but in the end they had to settle in a cave, which the local shepherds considered a stable for animals. That same night, the Virgin Mary gave birth to a child and became the Most Holy Theotokos. She swaddled her son and laid him in a manger as if in a cradle - that’s what a cattle feeder was called in those days. Later, this name began to be used in our usual meaning of “nursery”, i.e. junior group in a preschool institution.
A star appeared in the sky that night in honor of the birth of the Infant God. The Eastern sages - the Magi - saw the luminary and realized that a miracle had happened. Following its light, they found the baby and presented him and his mother with gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. And when Jesus grew up, he preached to people about the kingdom of God and saved them from their sins.
Christmas is the perfect time to unite and strengthen family relationships, reconcile with loved ones, and let go of all grievances. On this day people meet, share good memories and give gifts as a symbol of their love. On the Orthodox holiday, it is important to help even strangers - those who need support and care. This day inspires people all over the world to do good things.
Fasting before Christmas
40 days before Christmas, believers usually fast: they do not eat meat products, eggs, sweets and milk. Those who fast include fish dishes, porridge without oil, soups, and stewed vegetables in their diet. But the most important thing during Lent is to cleanse your soul and thoughts of grievances and evil thoughts: do not quarrel, do not offend others and do not think about negativity.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the evening before Christmas. On this day, the final preparations are made before such an important day in Christian culture. On the eve of the big holiday, the church holds services at midnight. On Christmas Eve they also try to eat regular food. And even if your family does not fast, then at least on this day it is advisable to eat lean food.
The word “Christmas Eve” itself comes from the name of the dish - sochivo. This is a type of kutya made from rice. The cereal is boiled and soaked with poppy seeds, fruits or nuts. They didn’t put butter in the sochivo on Christmas Eve - after all, Lent was still going on. Along with this, there is a tradition of not eating anything on this day “until the first star.”
Conversation about Christmas for middle school children
Conversation about Christmas for middle school children
Prepared and conducted:
Teacher 1st quarter cat.
S. Kulikovo, 2018
Goal: Acquisition of cultural knowledge necessary for the comprehensive development of children, education and development of spiritual and moral values of the individual. Objectives: - introduce children to the gospel story of the Nativity of Christ; — expand and deepen opportunities for the emergence and consolidation of sustainable cognitive interests; - attract children's attention to Christian traditions; — to cultivate love for the creative heritage of our people. Preliminary work: Visiting church; familiarization with the icons of the Nativity of Christ; paintings by great artists who tell the story of Christmas; reading. Gospel for Kids, a collection of Christmas stories, poems, carols and chants; memorizing poems. Material: projector; screen; computer; children's Bible; books about Christmas; illustrations on biblical themes; vintage Christmas cards; Christmas nativity scene; elegant Christmas tree; felt boots.
Progress of the event:
Educator: Today will be Christmas, The whole city is waiting for the secret, It is dozing in the crystal frost And waiting for the magic to happen.
Questions for children. — Guys, please tell me, do you know the date of your birthday? — What happens on this day? - Why are they congratulating you on this day? - Who knows what Christmas is? - When is it celebrated? Educator: Christmas is celebrated in our country
Jan. 7.
On this day Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, was born. The Night Before Christmas
6th January
considered magical. If you make a wish, it will definitely come true. Only the desire must necessarily be good, because Jesus Christ teaches us kindness and love for all people. Do you want to know the amazing story of his birth?
Good news.
Once upon a time there lived a girl named Maria. Her husband was the carpenter Joseph, a descendant of the great family of King David. One day the angel Gabriel appeared before Mary and said to her: “Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you; Blessed are you among wives." Of all women, God chose You to give birth to the Son of God, whom You will name Jesus. From that moment on, the young Virgin Mary knew that she would give birth to the Son of God - the Savior of the World. At that time, Emperor Augustus decided to conduct a population census to find out how many people lived in his dominions. For this purpose, he ordered all residents to report to the place where they were born. Joseph and Mary lived in the city of Nazareth, but were assigned, like all the descendants of King David, to the city of Bethlehem. That's where they had to go. The road was difficult, and they reached Bethlehem only in the evening, where a lot of people had already gathered and nowhere could the poor travelers find a place to stay for the night. Night fell, and Mary and Joseph had no choice but to spend the night in a cave - a den they found on the outskirts of the city. Local shepherds with their flocks hid there in bad weather. And in this cave on a cold winter night Jesus Christ was born. Mary swaddled the Divine Child in her hem and placed Him in a manger - a feeding trough for livestock.
Angel's message to the shepherds.
That night, local shepherds nearby were guarding their flocks. Suddenly a snow-white shining Angel appeared in front of them. The shepherds were very frightened, but the Angel calmed them down and said: “Do not be afraid! I announce great joy. The Lord Savior was born! He lies swaddled in a manger.” At that same moment, the shepherds saw a large army of heaven praising God. Everything around shone and was illuminated with an extraordinary, divine light.
When the angels disappeared, the shepherds immediately went to the cave to be the first to see the Son of God and worship Him to the ground. They told Joseph and the Blessed Virgin about the wondrous vision.
Pets also came to see Jesus.
Children read a poem:
Rozhdestvenskoe.
In the manger, the quiet tiny Christ slept on fresh hay. The moon, emerging from the shadows, stroked the flax of His hair...
The bull breathed on the Baby's face and, rustling the straw, looked at the elastic knee, barely breathing.
Sparrows through the roof poles poured into the manger in a crowd, And the bull, pressed against the niche, crumpled the blanket with his lip.
The dog, sneaking up to the warm leg, licked it secretly. The cat was the most comfortable of all, warming the child sideways in the manger...
The subdued white goat was breathing on His forehead, Only the stupid gray donkey was pushing everyone helplessly:
“If only I could look at the Child for a minute!” And he cried loudly and loudly in the pre-dawn silence...
And Christ, opening his eyes, suddenly parted the circle of animals and with a smile full of affection, Whispered: “Look quickly!” Sasha Cherny.
Guiding star.
Educator: The second news about the birth of the Son of God was a new bright star that shone in the sky at the moment of His birth.
Three eastern sages (they were called Magi) saw her. The Magi knew that the King of the Jews would soon be born. The wise men could not even imagine that the future King was born not in a palace, but in a cold cave, and they decided to go to the capital - Jerusalem, straight to the palace of King Herod, to worship the Divine Infant. Herod was an insidious and cruel man and decided to destroy Jesus Christ at all costs, because he was afraid that this Baby, when he grew up, would take away his power. And he said to the wise men: “Go to Bethlehem, and when you find the Baby, return to me and tell me where He is, so that I can worship Him.” The Magi saddled the camels and set off, and a wonderful guiding star showed them the way
and led them to the house, where they “saw the Child with Mary His Mother, and, falling down, they worshiped Him; and having opened their treasures, they brought Him gifts—gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:9-11).
Frankincense and myrrh are incense that were highly prized at the time.
A child reads a poem: The night is silent. On the unsteady firmament the southern stars tremble. The mother's eyes with a smile look into the quiet manger. No ears, no extra glances. The roosters crowed - And behind the angels in the highest, the shepherds praise God. The manger quietly shines in the gaze, Mary’s face is illuminated. The starry choir joined another choir with trembling ears. And above him that star of distant countries burns high; With her the kings of the East carry gold myrrh and frankincense. Afanasy Fet 1842 Educator: That same night God revealed to the wise men the true intentions of the treacherous Herod and ordered them not to return to him. The wise men obediently went home a different way, without revealing to the king the secret of finding the Savior. Upon learning that the wise men had deceived him, Herod became angry and gave a terrible order to exterminate all male children in Bethlehem, because he was afraid of losing his throne. But, fortunately, Jesus was no longer in the city. God's angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: “Get up, take the Child and His Mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod wants to look for the Child in order to destroy Him” (Matthew 2:13).
The holy family lived in Egypt until the death of King Herod, and upon returning, Jesus, the Mother of God and Joseph again settled in the city of Nazareth. So, from the Nativity of Christ, a new era of humanity began - our era.
On Christmas Eve before Christmas.
Since then, on January 6, as soon as the first star appears in the sky, Christmas Eve begins. In the old days, the father brought hay into the house to lay it on the table (because little Jesus was laid on the hay!) and put a pot of kutya in it - the most important dish on this holiday. On Christmas Eve, children always brought kutya to their godparents, and they eagerly awaited their little godchildren and treated them to all sorts of things. On Christmas night, until the very morning, young people organized games, sleigh rides, walked around the yards, sang carols, wishing their owners well, health and prosperity. And they certainly gave them sweets and hard coins.
It was believed that the more carolers who entered the house, the more successful the year would be for the owners. Come on, guys, and we'll play.
Pie game
(to Russian folk music) Rules of the game: children stand in two lines opposite each other. In the middle is the driver - “pie”. Everyone sings: Yes, he is so wide, Yes, he is so tall, Yes, he is so soft, Cut him and eat him. After the words “Cut it and eat it,” one participant from each line runs to the “pie.” The first one to touch the “pie” takes it to his team, and the remaining player portrays the “pie”. The group that takes the most “pies” wins.
Game "Felt boots".
Two children are needed to play. Large felt boots are placed in front of the Christmas tree. At the signal, players run around the tree from different sides and try to put on their felt boots. The one who comes running first and puts on felt boots wins.
Now guys guess
Christmas riddles:
In the middle of winter there is a great celebration. Great holiday -... (Christmas)!
Everyone is waiting for him - from kids to dads and moms, and everyone dressed up rushes to the service... (to the temple).
It’s festive here, it’s bright, the incense smells nice, ... (lamps) are burning in front of the icons.
And, fluffing up the green needles, the Christmas trees... (trees) flaunt.
So that this evening can pass with prayer, All the people in the temple light... (candles).
And everyone joyfully listens to the festive service, and then Merry Christmas to each other... (they congratulate each other).
Here triumph and mystery blows from everywhere, And the heart skips a beat in anticipation of... (a miracle).
After all, the most wonderful miracle of all came true on this day - He was born on earth... (Jesus Christ). Educator: And that evening they showed a nativity scene - a performance about the birth of the Savior. Children in groups walked from house to house with a small chest depicting the cave in which the Son of God was born. With the help of homemade dolls, they performed performances about the birth of the Savior.
Good light of Christmas.
On this holiday, it is customary to take care of the poor and disadvantaged, because the future king of the world, Christ, was born not in a rich palace, but in a simple cave, thereby showing that the main value of a person is not in wealth, but in his soul. Christmas is a holiday of gifts. In memory of the gifts of the Magi to the newborn Jesus, people give each other gifts at Christmas.
But the most important gift for all of us is God’s gift - the Savior Jesus Christ.
Summarizing. Reflection. — Guys, what new have you learned about the Nativity of Christ, about Christian traditions? —Who is Jesus Christ? — Did you participate in the performance of the customs of folk holidays?
Get text
Holiday traditions
The celebration of Christmas is associated with many traditions that go deep into the past. And although the stormy flow of history in our country in the last century destroyed many of them, they are now being revived. Over the past few decades, many have begun to show great interest in their history, culture, and traditions of their kind. In addition to the fact that this is an important connection between generations, Christmas traditions will definitely make your holiday bright and unforgettable - your children will remember this holiday with warmth and awe.
Carols
Carols are ritual songs that our ancestors sang. The first carols did not carry religious overtones. Initially, they were all pagan and associated with the cult of fertility. Kolyada was the name of the goddess who patronized the rich harvest. Short, simple songs were sung wishing for a good harvest, because the life of our ancestors used to directly depend on this. With the advent of Christianity, pagan traditions were rethought. Carols retained their name, but became part of the tradition of praising the Birth of Christ.
In the old days, it was mainly young people and children who caroled. They walked in groups from courtyard to courtyard and sang carols, and the owners had to thank them with various goodies. The hospitable hosts believed that the more carolers they had, the happier and richer life would be in the coming year. Of course, few people follow this tradition these days, but it is such a charge of positivity and fun that you can take a few lyrics and sing with your children:
***
This is how it has happened in this world For many years in a row On such a magical, good evening Angels are flying to us from heaven. They bring goodness, hope, and blessings to every home. They wish everyone a happy new year and a blessed Christmas!
***
I'm caroling, caroling, I'll go into any hut. I’ll ask the hostess: Give me some sweets. And cookies, and sweets, And sherbet with nuts, And halva, and chocolate, Pastille and marmalade, Delicious ice cream, Sweet cake. We will eat ourselves, And treat each other, And remember the hostess, oh the hostess, with a kind word!
***
Today in your house we will sing and dance in your honor! We invite everyone to our Christmastide! Games and riddles await you. Fortune telling, dancing and laughter await! There are enough jokes for everyone here!
Christmas dinner
Christmas is supposed to be celebrated at home with loved ones. For a festive dinner, the family gathers around the table.
Since the long fast ends with the first star on Christmas Day, the table on this holiday should be rich and varied. Kutia is served with chocolate/honey, dried fruits and butter. The mandatory menu also includes hearty salads, sweet pastries, and, of course, the main traditional dish - baked goose or duck.
Special attention should be paid to sweets. And pamper your little sweet tooth with the most delicious delicacies. And you can cook them together, because in the kitchen you can be accompanied not only by a teenager, but also by a diligent preschooler and even a 3-year-old child. Together you can bake Christmas shaped cookies or create a gingerbread house. For the latter, you can buy a ready-made kit or bake its parts yourself - in any case, both adults and children will enjoy the process of creating such an edible masterpiece.
More details in the video:
Christmas tree and home decoration
Trees that remain green all year round have always had a special meaning for people. Bright spruce needles in winter remind people of hope and eternal life. They started decorating the Christmas tree relatively recently. This tradition appeared in our country a little over 100 years ago. And although now we primarily decorate a festive tree before the New Year, previously this custom was entirely dedicated to Christmas.
When decorating a Christmas tree with children, you can tell them about the meaning of each decorative element: angels, lights, wreaths, bells, stars - every detail symbolizes amazing and important Christmas things and events. You can also invite children to create their own Christmas decorations and colorful decorations.
Bells
Bells are perhaps one of the main symbols of Christmas. Bells have been rung for centuries to announce a major church holiday. They signify the birth of Christ, when angels from heaven announced this event.
Holiday light
Traditionally, for Christmas, the house and tree are decorated with bright holiday lights. In the past, before the advent of electricity, candles were used, and since they could light up at any moment, a bucket of water was always kept in the room with the tree.
Star
The main decoration of any Christmas tree - a pointed star - symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, which announced the birth of Jesus.
Nativity scene
A model of the Bethlehem Cave is placed in a place of honor on Christmas Day. You can buy a nativity scene or make it yourself with your children. A box/box is suitable for the base, and spruce branches can be successfully replaced with hay for laying on the floor during the winter holidays. The figures themselves can be purchased ready-made or created independently from cardboard, salt dough, papier-mâché or clay. The top of the nativity scene is decorated with a star made of foil or gold paper, which should preferably be illuminated from the inside with an artificial light.
You can get some inspiration in the video below.
Other Christmas Crafts for Kids
In addition to the main symbol of Christmas, we invite you to make Christmas crafts with your children. For example, creating a real fluffy snowflake yourself is quite simple. Detailed video instructions below:
And here you will find many examples of simple crafts with children:
Another integral attribute of the Nativity of Christ is a wreath. How to do it, see the visual instructions:
An idea for atmospheric Christmas lights to create coziness in your home:
And, of course, what would Christmas be without an angel? For details on how to make it, see the master class:
Christmastide
Christmastide is popularly called the two-week period from Christmas to Epiphany - from January 7 to January 17. This is a bizarre mixture of pagan rituals and Orthodoxy. On holy days, young people traditionally sang carols, and then gathered in the evening to taste the collected treats, have fun and tell fortunes. They cast fortunes mainly on grooms and the number of future children.
Entertainment: What is Christmas? for children of the preparatory group. Scenario
Round table with parents: “What is Christmas?”
Author: Efimova Alla Ivanovna, teacher of GBDOU No. 43, Kolpino St. Petersburg
Description: This material is intended for educators and primary school teachers to conduct events dedicated to the New Year and Christmas in primary schools and preschool institutions. Goal: Creating a festive mood. Objectives: - Develop logical thinking, sense of rhyme; — Teach children to solve riddles, thereby expanding their vocabulary and horizons; — Develop creative imagination. — Teaching folk games and joint activities. Preliminary work: memorizing poems, carols, conversations on the topic, watching presentations.
Educator: Hello children and guests. It is with great pleasure that we are glad to see and welcome you as our guest. Make yourself comfortable, make yourself at home. It is no coincidence that we have all gathered here; everyone knows that the winter holidays are coming and there are many of these holidays. All these holidays are fun, with festivities, songs and dances. I’m sure you and I will have the same wonderful holiday today. Tell me, please, children, what winter holidays do you know? Children: New Year, Christmas, baptism, old New Year. Educator: Yes, all the answers are correct. After all, each holiday has its own specific date. Who can tell me these numbers? Answers. Educator: What do you think people do on Christmas, on baptism, on New Year's Eve? Answers. Educator: Guys, why do you think the holiday was called Christmas? Answers: Christ was born. Child: I remember how, as a child, I heard a story about Christmas for the first time. I was excited to tears - After all, little Christ was born Not in a rich eminent house And lay not in a magnificent cradle, But in a remote cave, on straw, Angels, bending over him, sang.
Educator: We have learned poems dedicated to these holidays for our respected parents, and I will ask our children to go out and read the poems. Child: Silver holiday In our country, A decorated Christmas tree - In every window. Everyone is waiting: Now he will come in, Brand new Next year. Twelve little sparrows are chilling in the garden. Twelve months into the new year. Midnight struck - Twelve o'clock. And we read the Twelve Verses. Child: Happy Christmas! There is no happier celebration! On the night of Christ's birth, a Star lit up above the earth. Since then, through the centuries, it shines on us like the sun. Warms the soul with faith, So that the world becomes more beautiful, better. Gives sparkles of magic Happy Christmas! Peace comes to every home, Merry Christmas! Educator: Today, on the eve of all these holidays, my parents and I decided to arrange a small holiday for you with tea. But so that my parents wouldn’t get bored, I decided to organize a little competition for them. The children replied that on Christmas many people go caroling and tell fortunes. Educator: And now I want to address my question to the parents. What do carolers want? Parents' answers. Educator: I am sure that many parents know small carols and I want to invite them to sing carols at our holiday. Parents sing carols: The carol was born, On the eve of Christmas Chorus: Oh, Kolyada, my carol! Open the window, let's start Christmas! Chorus: Oh, Kolyada, my carol! Open doors, get you out of bed. Chorus: Oh, Kolyada, my carol! Educator: Kolyada came, it brought fun to everyone, don’t sit, don’t be bored, quickly get up for the round dance. Educator: I invite you to the game. The most favorite games in Rus' were round dance games. And you and I will play a round dance game. Two children or adults form a gate. Children pass through the gate singing. To the words: “And she left the little one,” the gate closes. The caught children join the drivers. Game “Carol has come to us...”. The carol came to us, brought the carol, She went by herself, saw all the children, and left the little one behind.
Educator: We played a little, you can relax. I want to tell you some Christmas riddles that both adults and children can guess. - In the middle of winter there is a great celebration: a great holiday - Jesus... - (Christmas) - There is a celebration in the whole world, Because... (Christmas)! - For long days she led them here, a big... (star) appeared in the sky. - This Angel brought news that She would be born... (Christ) - And what gifts did the carolers receive? (cookies, candies, sometimes coins and fruits) - The main dish of the Christmas holidays, which is placed on the table in a pot? (kutia) - A festive attribute, without which the New Year and Christmas holidays are not complete? (Christmas tree) - How did they decorate the Christmas tree in Rus'? (sweets, apples, etc.) - They gave the brothers a warm house so that the five of them could live. The big brother did not agree and settled separately. (Hand in mitten) Educator: The answers, you all know. (intercom ringing). Dad is late, we put him in a Santa Claus costume and he congratulates all the guests and invites them to the round dance.
Educator: We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and invite you to Christmas. What do you think Christmastide is? Answers: Christmas time is the days from January 6 to January 18, when people congratulate each other on the birth of Jesus Christ.
Educator: Christmas carols are an ancient custom of going from house to house with congratulatory songs, with wishes of health, a bountiful harvest, and prosperity. A carol is a request for alms. Child: Christmas has come - We have been waiting for it for a long time. The people celebrate Christmastide: They rejoice and sing. Young and old are having fun, who came to our tea party! Educator: Our parents chanted carols for us and wished us health. And we will answer them in kind, Let's sing together. Children sing carols: - Let's go Caroling, Walk along the street, Walk along the street, Happy New Year! - Kolyada, Kolyada, where have you been before? I spent the night in the field, and now I’ve come to you. - We sow, we weed, we sow, Merry Christmas! We sow, we weed, we sow, we wish you happiness and joy! - We wish all good people goodness, Gold and silver! Lush pies, honey pancakes! May everyone be healthy and live many years! Educator: Your carols are good, but let's play hide and seek with the snowballs. There are snowballs scattered on the floor, and try to collect them in a basket. We invite both parents and children to play. Game: “Hide the snowball in the basket.”
Educator: You sang and danced, You were probably very tired. Our mothers tried, worked, baked pies for tea. Some cheesecakes, some cookies, Thanks to them for the treat. The tables were set for us, and we were invited to tea.
Educator: While we are all drinking tea together, I propose to talk about family traditions. Merry Christmas to everyone. And during the holidays, I suggest you go congratulate your relatives, sing carols and pick up a lot of sweets. May the New Year and Christmas holiday give you a feeling of magic! Let the candle light warm the house, Let the smell of fresh pine needles be in it! Let your loved ones and friends be nearby, let your family be happy and joyful.
We recommend watching:
Christmas gatherings in kindergarten. Scenario for the “Nativity of Christ” holiday for senior preparatory groups at a preschool educational institution. Scenario Summary of GCD on the topic: Christmas in the senior group of kindergarten Pedagogical project in the senior group. Children about Christmas
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How to celebrate the holiday: entertainment for families with children
It’s better to spend the holiday with your family: exchange gifts, make Christmas crafts with your children, taste a festive dinner prepared with loved ones, and after eating, get together to watch a good movie or entertain your family with funny games!
Christmas presents
At Christmas, as a rule, it is customary to give symbolic and pleasant gifts. It should be something special that will remind you of your kindness and love:
Candles
One of the main attributes of Christmas. This is a symbol of faith and warmth.
Christmas sweets
Lately we've been getting a lot of treats from Western culture: gingerbread cookies, gingerbread houses and candy canes. If Russian traditions are closer to you, then you can bake sweet pies or make candied fruits. If possible and desired, it is ideal to prepare such gifts with your own hands.
Souvenirs
These could be bells or decorative elements to decorate your home for Christmas, a composition of fir branches, an edible bouquet or a Christmas-themed photo frame. The choice of such souvenirs these days is limitless.
Articles of Faith
The Bible and spiritual books, icons or figurines of angels - here it is important to know how the person to whom you want to give a gift feels about Christmas and faith.
Warm cozy things, knitted or sewn by yourself
A sweater, fluffy scarf or warm socks will please both men and women.
Children's gifts
I would like to give special attention and warmth to children at Christmas. Educational toys are suitable for kids, and arts and crafts kits, board games or cute little things, such as a glass ball with a Christmas motif and music, are suitable for older children.
greeting card
In the age of social media, real postcards with good wishes written in your own hand are a wonderful way to convey a piece of your warmth to someone else.
Christmas entertainment
Regardless of age, have a fun Christmas time: sleds, skates, skis - each family member can choose something different. For less active people and small children, invite them to build a snowman or a real ice fortress. In any case, the pleasure of spending time together in the fresh air is guaranteed!
After the festive dinner, you can have fun with the whole family. Prepare your favorite board games, competitions, charades.
We offer several exciting and fun games that are ideal for Christmas evening and will appeal to both adults and children.
12 months
Each participant makes a wish for a month and depicts it: in a drawing or in pantomime. The rest try to guess the month and the events shown.
Looking for surprises
In the room where the holiday is taking place and the Christmas tree stands, little amenities are hidden: souvenirs, sweets, gingerbread cookies, pine cones, nuts, toys. Participants go on a treasure hunt. The one who collects the most items wins.
Snowball
The one with the better memory will win here. The first participant says: “In Santa Claus’s bag...” (and names any item: a toy, a gift, or something funny). Each subsequent participant lists the items named before him and adds one of his own. You can play endlessly, or until someone gets completely confused. In any case, fun is guaranteed for everyone.
If you have small children, after the Christmas feast you can read the Bible with them or do something creative. With older children, you can plan a family Christmas game night, attend a church service, sing carols, or walk around the city among the Christmas lights. The point is to be with your family and loved ones at such a moment, and not with gadgets.
Christmas movies for the whole family
Watching a good Christmas movie will help while away a frosty winter evening after a fun day and bring the family together. We bring to your attention a small selection of films that will definitely not disappoint you:
"Miracle on 34th Street", 1947, dir. George Seaton
The story is about a little girl who dreams of setting her mother up with a lonely lawyer. In this she will be helped by Santa Claus, however, not the one who gives joy at Christmas with reindeer and bells, but a disguised actor who ended up in a psychiatrist and in the dock for the action of the film. How will all this turn out and will the little but very skeptical girl believe in miracles?
"Curly Sue", 1991, dir. John Hughes
A film from the creator of the film masterpiece “Home Alone” cannot a priori be boring. This is the story of a tramp who took into his care the little orphan Sue. Together with his friends, in the hope of “earning extra money,” he commits a crime and falls into the tenacious hands of the iron lady, lawyer Gray Allison. But at Christmas, what started out as a scam can turn into true love and family.
"Lost Christmas", 2011, dir. John Hay
A Christmas story about a boy named Gus who stole his father's car keys. An ordinary little prank led to dire consequences for many people. The wizard Anthony comes to the boy’s aid, but the problem is that he doesn’t even remember his name.
The Chronicles of Narnia film series based on the novels by C.S. Lewis
The exciting plot reveals deep Christian meanings. The film, like Lewis’s works themselves, is aimed at children who are already familiar with Scripture and are able to relate the film’s plot to the original source.
"Eloise 2: Christmas", 2003, dir. Kevin Lima
Remember Kevin McCallister? Meet his “twin” in female form – Eloise, who found herself alone in a hotel during the winter holidays. While her mother returns to her from a trip, her daughter must manage to upset someone else’s wedding and organize another. Parents will be amused by Eloise's mischief, and children will be delighted by her responsiveness and kindness.
Books for children about Christmas
We have selected for our readers several books that can easily claim to be the favorite works of children of all ages:
"The Little Match Girl" and other fairy tales by Andersen
The famous author has many “winter” works, the plot of which takes place during the magical Christmas time. “The Snow Queen”, “Spruce” and “The Little Match Girl” will be appreciated by both adults and children. These touching tales are designed to make us all a little kinder.
“Blue Bird”, M. Maeterlinck
A story full of kindness and faith in Man. On a mysterious Christmas night, a fairy comes to the woodcutter's children Tiltil and Mytil and asks for their help - to find a blue bird that will help cure her seriously ill granddaughter. Brother and sister go in search of a mysterious bird, as a result of which they find themselves in a strange memory, where unusual encounters and adventures await them.
“Journey of the Blue Arrow”, D. Rodari
The touching story of little Francesco, who dreams of the Blue Arrow train. A boy from a poor family was left without a desired gift on Christmas. One day the toys saw Francesco crying and... came to him themselves. The fairy tale teaches us to think not only about ourselves, but also to help those in need.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss
The famous story of the ever-disgruntled monster Grinch, who is annoyed by cheerful people. On the eve of the holiday, the green hermit decides to steal Christmas gifts, taking away people's joy. However, in the end the villain realizes that happiness does not lie in gifts...
“Christmas Porridge”, S. Nordqvist
A long time ago in Sweden, at Christmas time there was a good tradition of leaving a bowl of porridge for the gnomes living in the house (akin to Russian brownies). If a family leaves their little neighbors with nothing, they will get themselves into trouble. Unfortunately, recently people have begun to forget about this custom. And on the eve of Christmas, the gnome dad is seriously concerned that the owners of the house will leave his family without a hearty lunch for the holiday. You will learn about what a small but very resourceful family will do by reading this book.
Time for wish fulfillment
From time immemorial it is believed that on Christmas you can ask the heavens for something secret and it will certainly come true. The main thing is that the desire is kind and bright. There are many cases in history when on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day people were healed from a serious illness, and their deepest desires were fulfilled.
Therefore, it is necessary to tell children about the holiday of the Nativity of Christ, about the Christmas miracle, so that they learn from an early age to do good deeds and believe in miracles, because with faith in the best no adversity is scary.
