There are many ways to interestingly tell children about Christmas - with the help of fairy tales, presentations of pictures, songs, films, books. The problem is that not only children, but sometimes adults too, do not understand the essence of the Nativity of Christ, considering it a continuation of the New Year. But the difference between them is very significant. If Santa Claus is a fairy-tale, fictional character, then Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on January 6 and 7, is a church character.
Christmas story
The holiday began with the birth of Jesus Christ. His story is described in the Gospels. Of course, for children's perception it is better to use an adapted retelling.
Here's how we suggest briefly teaching children aged 4–10 years about Christmas:
“Christmas is an unusual holiday. It is celebrated by Orthodox Christians all over the Earth. Many years ago on this day, on the night of January 6-7, Jesus Christ was born - the Son of God, the Savior of people. His birth was not entirely ordinary. A miracle happened. God sent an angel to the Virgin Mary and said that she would soon give birth to an unusual child, his messenger.
The girl became pregnant, while remaining virgin. With her betrothed Joseph, Mary awaited the birth of the Son of the Lord. And it just so happened that they had to go to another city, Bethlehem. They got there when night fell. For a long time they tried to find accommodation for the night, but they managed to find a roof over their heads only in the barn, next to the animals. That night the Virgin Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus Christ and became the Most Holy Theotokos. And a new star appeared in the sky.
So that all people would know the good news, God, through angels, notified the shepherds who were tending sheep nearby. They heard: “Do not be afraid, God sent his Son to earth to save you all from your sins. Go to the light of the star that shines over Bethlehem and you will see it.” The angels sang and praised God. The eastern sages, the Magi, also learned about the miracle that had occurred. They realized that the star symbolizes the miracle that happened. Following her radiance, they found Maria holding a child. They did not come empty-handed, but with gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
THE LORD OF THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE
There are no indications of the Christmas tree (Christmas tree) as a symbol of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ in Christian sources. However. I found this interesting legend. which you can tell your kids.
“The holy solemn night descended to earth, bringing with it great joy to people. In Bethlehem, in a wretched cave, the Savior of the world was born. Listening to the songs of the angels, the shepherds praise and thank God; Following the guiding star, the Magi rush from the distant east to worship the Divine Child. And not only people, but also the trees overshadowing the cave, and the meadow flowers dappling around - everyone in their own way takes part in the great celebration. They sway joyfully, as if worshiping the Divine Infant, and in the jubilant rustle of leaves, in the whisper of grass, an expression of reverence for the miracle that has taken place can be heard. Everyone wants to see the born Savior: trees and bushes stretch out their branches, flowers raise their heads, trying to look inside the cave, which has now turned into a sacred temple. Happier than the others are the three trees standing at the very entrance to the cave: they can clearly see the manger and the Baby resting in it, surrounded by a host of angels. This is a slender palm tree, a beautiful fragrant olive and a modest green fir tree. The rustling of their branches becomes more and more joyful, more and more animated, and suddenly the words are clearly heard in it: “Let us go and worship the Divine Infant and offer Him our gifts,” said the palm tree, turning to the olive tree. - Take me with you too! — the modest Christmas tree said timidly. - Where are you going with us? - The palm tree answered proudly, looking at the tree with a contemptuous look. - And what gifts can you offer to the Divine Infant? - added the olive. -What do you have? Just prickly needles and nasty sticky resin! The poor tree remained silent and humbly stepped back, not daring to enter the cave that shone with heavenly light. But the angel heard the conversation of the trees, saw the pride of the palm tree and the olive tree and the modesty of the fir tree, he felt sorry for her, and, out of his angelic kindness, he wanted to help her. The magnificent palm tree bent over the Baby and laid down the best leaf of its luxurious crown before Him. “Let it bring coolness to You on a hot day,” she said, and the olive tree bent its branches. Fragrant oil dripped from them, and the whole cave was filled with fragrance. The tree looked at this with sadness, but without envy. “They are right,” she thought, “how can I compare with them! Am I so poor, insignificant, am I worthy of approaching the Divine Child!” But the angel said to her: “In your modesty you humiliate yourself, dear Christmas tree, but I will exalt you and decorate you better than your sisters!” And the angel looked up to heaven. And the dark sky was dotted with sparkling stars. The angel made a sign, and one star after another began to roll down to the ground, right onto the green branches of the tree, and soon it all shone with brilliant lights. And when the Divine Child woke up, it was not the fragrance in the cave, not the luxurious fan of the palm tree that attracted His attention, but the shining tree. He looked at her and smiled at her and extended his arms to her. The tree rejoiced, but did not become proud and with its radiance tried to illuminate the ashamed ones standing in the shadow of the olive and palm trees. She paid for evil with good. And the angel saw this and said: “You are a good tree, dear tree, and for this you will be rewarded.” Every year at this time you, as now, will show off in the radiance of many lights, and small children, looking at you, will rejoice and have fun. And you, modest green tree, will become a sign of a merry Christmas holiday.” This beautiful legend is the ancestor of the modern Christmas Tree.
Celebrating Christmas is an ancient tradition:
Pictures for children
Along with the story about the birth of Jesus Christ by the Mother of God, it will be useful to show children thematic illustrations. It will be interesting for them to visually see how everything happened. You can use the following pictures:
The images and short narrative can be combined into an interesting presentation about Christmas. Add poems, songs. And then watch a movie or cartoon with your children. This will help you better understand the essence of the holiday and feel its magic.
Tanks on the Christmas tree
Danya Gerasimov, 9 years old, Krasnogorsk, Moscow region
Photo by betsyjean79
In our family, we decorate the tree for Christmas, not New Year. One day my parents put up a Christmas tree, but told me not to decorate it yet. After all, there were still five days before Christmas. But we were really impatient to decorate the Christmas tree, and we decided to hang on it ordinary children's toys that we played with our brothers. The garland was a multi-colored railway. The tree turned out beautiful.
For Christmas we had to take down the regular toys and hang up the Christmas ones. We have a variety of Christmas tree decorations; the tree for every Christmas turns out to be very festive. But I still remember that Christmas tree, decorated with tanks, planes, trains and rails for them.
Poems about Christmas
The evening before Christmas is called Christmas Eve. Traditionally, dinner requires a 12-course table. The most important of them is kutia, the true food of God. Festive porridge is prepared from wheat, poppy seeds, nuts, raisins and honey.
When the first star appears, the fun begins. Children recite poems and sing songs.
Famous works about Christmas:
- “God sent a little angel to earth on Christmas Eve” (F. M. Dostoevsky);
- “There are countries” (S. Nadson);
- “Evening Angel” (I. Bunin);
- “Christmas Star” (B. Pasternak);
- “The Appearance of an Angel to the Shepherds” (A. Fet).
It will be useful not only to read, but also to learn a short verse with your child:
“Here comes Christmas again - the triumph of the heavenly powers: On this day Christ came to save our world from evil.
Eternal glory to Him, the Conqueror of darkness. We congratulate you with all our hearts on this great joy.”
On the evening of January 6, it is also customary for the Slavs to go caroling - recite poems and sing songs (carols), wishing prosperity to the owners of the house. Initially, they are not associated with Christian Christmas. But gradually the traditions became mixed. Today, with the appearance of the first star in the sky, young people go from house to house and recite poems of a similar nature:
“We carol, we carol,
We alternate songs and dances!
And squatted, and around,
Treat me to a pie!”
In return, hospitable hosts give children sweets and coins.
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:
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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!
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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!
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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.
Movies
There are several cartoons and films that tell children in detail about the Nativity of Christ. Recommended list for viewing:
- My First Bible: Christmas (1995);
- “Christmas” (M. Aldashin);
- “Christmas” (Channel One documentary);
- "Guiding Star" (2017);
- “Divine Birth” (K. Hardwick);
- “Yuletide Stories” (series of Orthodox cartoons).
Also during the holidays, it will be interesting to watch films imbued with the spirit of magic: “Morozko”, “New Year’s Adventures of Masha and Vitya”, “The Snow Queen”, “Twelve Months”. Older children and adults may enjoy Hollywood films from the 1940s and 1950s: Miracle on 34th Street and The Bishop's Wife. The films “The Polar Express” and “The Angel Next Door” are worthy of attention.
Also on Orthodox Christmas they show performances called nativity scenes. The story of Jesus Christ is told and shown by dolls in a large two-tiered box. On the upper floor the worship of the baby in the manger takes place, on the lower floor there are episodes with Herod. The dolls move along the slots, and the nativity scene operator controls them.
One star is burning
Masha Ivanova, 9 years old, Krasnogorsk, Moscow region
Last year, on the eve of the bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ, I fell ill. I was very upset because I couldn’t go to church for the festive Christmas service.
But then my mother told me about the Star of Bethlehem, which must appear in the sky on Christmas Eve. I really wanted to see her. I ran to the window, but there was not a single star in the sky.
When I once again approached the window, I saw one single, small star in the dark sky. She was small, but she shone very brightly. It burned and shone in the vast dark sky.
Photo simech
It was a real miracle!
When I remember this star, my soul is light and joyful!
If you ever get sick on the eve of Christmas, don't despair. Wait for a miracle, and it will definitely happen to you on this bright Christmas night!
Songs
On this holiday, joyful music is heard in many homes. What songs can you listen to with your children about Christmas:
- “Christmas Tree” (show group “Smile”);
- "Silent Night" (Christmas hymn);
- Silent Night (Silent night in English);
- “New Star” (author Yu. Verizhnikov);
- “The Nativity of Christ” (P. Sinyavsky);
- Angels We Have Heard on High.
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.
Books
Many books talk about Christmas. First of all, it is worth reading the Children's Bible with your children. Several other books are also dedicated to him:
- “Christmas book for children” (edited by T. Strygina, Nikeya publishing house, 2014)
- "Bear" (Marie Colmon);
- “The Nativity of Christ” (E. Trostnikova).
The following books will also help you immerse yourself in the atmosphere and learn more about the holiday: “Christmas Stories” by Charles Dickens, “The Little Match Girl” and “The Snow Queen” by Andersen, “Nikita’s Childhood” and “Childhood” by L.N. Tolstoy, “Eugene Onegin” by A. S. Pushkin.
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.
First magic
Egor Tsarev, 13 years old, Semenov, Nizhny Novgorod region
Christmas is something magical, like a fairy tale. If you believe in a fairy tale, something can happen, and you will preserve this miracle for many years.
On Christmas Day, when I was seven years old, I wanted to see Father Christmas and thank him for all the previous gifts, so I went to my room and pretended to be asleep.
Rillke Photos
When the clock struck twelve, I quietly crept into the hall and saw my parents putting something under the Christmas tree. I was terribly upset because I thought that Santa Claus was bringing the gifts.
We left the hall. Dad gave me a gift and began to console me. The gift was magnificent: a large folding pirate ship and pirate figures. I said "Thank you!" and went into the hall to light the garland.
Suddenly I saw a beautiful red box under the Christmas tree. I opened it and saw a remote control toy car and chocolates.
We were very surprised: my mom and dad had already given me a gift! At that moment I realized that this was something magical!
