• Instead of putting up a tree, put a large manger scene in your family room. Place your gifts in front of the manger.
• Wrap presents alike by the givers. When Christmas morning comes, let each child place the presents he has near him. He can systematically give out his gifts. This takes the focus off of receiving and puts the emphasis on giving. (Gifts don’t have to be expensive; children could draw special pictures, color, and frame them)
• Focus the season on Jesus’ sacrificial love by taking your children shopping for a person who is unable to give anything in return.
• Send a Christmas box to a missionary family. Allow plenty of time for your children to earn money their own money to buy gifts for the missionary children.
• Involve your children in sending shoe boxes to Franklin Graham’s project Operation Christmas Child.
• Plan to give a gift to Jesus. (In my son’s church, he places a Chest of Joash at the front of his pulpit. This is a great way to give a Christmas gift to the Lord and to help with remodeling projects around the church.
• If you know someone who will be spending Christmas alone, invite him to your home.
• To show the love of Jesus, volunteer time to a particular ministry. (A homeless shelter, a children’s home, or hospital)
• Send a Christmas card or gift to a soldier.
• Gather a group of friends from your church to go Christmas caroling.
• During the month of December, do random acts of kindness in Jesus’ name. (Pay for person’s meal behind you, rake a neighbor’s lawn, pay for person’s coffee standing in line behind you)
• Take food to a family in need.
• Bake goodies for your neighbors, family, and friends.
• Place indoor and outdoor decorations that reflect Jesus really is The Reason for the Season.
• Hand out Christmas tracts wherever you go…and say Merry Christmas.