Explaining Christmas with Love
Christmas can be overwhelming. Twinkling lights everywhere and Santa on every corner. But, how do we explain the heart of Christmas to preschoolers? Good news, parents! It’s simpler than you think.
It’s a day to celebrate Jesus’s birth—a big birthday party for Jesus. Share stories of the nativity and act it out with their favorite toys. It’s the perfect time to:
- Bake cookies
- Sing carols
- Discuss giving rather than receiving
Remember my kid’s first Christmas pageant? He forgot the lines but stole the show with his impromptu dance! It’s all about understanding and having fun! Keep it cheerful and light.
Easter: Not Just Bunnies and Eggs
Easter is often linked to eggs and bunnies. But, underneath the chocolate lies a beautiful story of hope and renewal.
Talk to your kids about Jesus’s resurrection. You might use a simple storybook or colorful illustrations to help convey the message. Encourage them to thank God for what they love, whether it’s crayons or car rides.
Try Arts and Crafts!
- Create handprint lilies.
- Make crosses using popsicle sticks.
Last Easter, I made bunny ears for everyone—not very Christian, I admit, but it was a laugh!
Ultimately, Easter is fundamentally about joy and new beginnings.
Lent: A Time for Sharing
Lent tends to be a head-scratcher for little ones. ‘Why can’t I have candy, Mommy?’ they may ask. Approach Lent as a time to share and help others.
Encourage your child to pick toys they don’t use to donate. Kids love playing superheroes, so turn sharing into a superpower! Use sticker charts to track good deeds. During our last family Lent project, we made sandwiches for a shelter.
Remember, it’s not about what they give up, but what they give out. Make Lent a story about love in action.
Pentecost: The Birthday of the Church
Pentecost is often overlooked, but it’s basically a birthday party for the church! And who doesn’t like a party? Red decorations symbolize the Holy Spirit’s flame, making the celebration vibrant and meaningful.
Celebrating the Event
To explain the significance of Pentecost, consider these engaging activities:
- Light a candle together and discuss how the Holy Spirit helps us every day.
- Pray for wisdom when facing daily troubles—like tangled shoelaces (my constant nemesis!).
- Make it hands-on: bake a ‘church birthday’ cake and add strawberry flames!
Emphasizing Unity and Growth
In the end, it’s about celebrating unity and growth in faith. So, keep the atmosphere lively and joyous—after all, it’s a birthday celebration!
All Saints’ Day: Heroes in Faith
Introduce your children to All Saints’ Day by highlighting historical Christian heroes. It’s like a page from a superhero comic!
Share tales of courage and kindness from saints like:
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Joan of Arc
Maybe role-play their actions or dress up as saints—a twist on costumes! My child’s saint project looked more unicorn than canonized Catholic, but imagination is key!
Make it a day to inspire and foster respect for diverse beliefs and resilience—superpower storytelling is welcome!
Advent: Building Excitement
Advent is like the countdown to Christmas fun! Each Sunday means more candles, and more candles mean warmer hearts. Light a new candle weekly to represent peace, hope, joy, and love.
Advent calendars are a hit—each door is a step closer to celebration. Turn it into a magic moment of learning; explain the meaning behind each candle. My littlest thought every candle was a chance for a cupcake!
Festive Activities
- Engage in festive crafts
- Read Christmas Bible stories
Fill Advent with anticipation and togetherness.
