Carolyn Mayo
Since the boys were little, we have had a Happy Birthday, Jesus party with neighborhood children. The party and games change as the kids get older. This party can also be taken to schools–even public school–because it is our family tradition. It is a great way to share your faith in a light-hearted and fun way.
Just like any birthday party, the main attractions are games and food. For the food, I make baby Jesus cupcakes. To create, make a batch of white cupcakes with white icing. To make the baby Jesus in the manger, use graham crackers, white tub icing, Kix cereal, and shredded wheat. Cut a quarter of a graham cracker with a point so that you can easily insert it into the cupcake. Two of these quarters make the manger. Crumble some shredded wheat for the hay. Squirt a long baby-shaped blob of white icing for the baby. Use a Kix cereal for the head. The baby should look swaddled. That’s it. Baby Jesus cupcakes!
For a game, play Put Baby Jesus in the Manger–fashioned after Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
For a craft project , make construction paper crowns and decorate them like crowns the wise men would have worn.
Tell the Christmas story using a kid-friendly nativity scene. As the kids get older, let them act out the story. Use robes and towels for costumes. The skit can be written on index cards for the kids to read aloud. Kids love skits. Remember to video their performance.
Send the kids off with an age-appropriate reminder that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Include an invitation to the Christmas Eve service at your church.
