This resource has four “stations” available for families to engage in an activity together. You may not want to create all four stations depending on your circumstances, resources, and space. Use this information in a way that would best suit your local worship community.

Each station will need a table to display instructions and the supplies needed to create the craft. It is helpful to create a sample craft so parents and children can see the finished product. You may also want to consider providing an area that is a workstation where parents and children can work together in creating the craft. The stations are:

• Advent calendar ornaments
• Nativity garland
• Make a Christmas card
• Christmas Friendship bracelet

1. Advent Calendar Ornaments

Supplies needed:

• Cutout ornament sheets and label printing sheets (Names of Jesus/scriptures
• Circle labels
• Twine
• Scissors
• Container to hold finished ornaments such as a box, gift bag, Mason Jar, etc.

Provide this station with cutout paper circles, the names of Jesus and the coordinating scripture which you have printed on circle label sheets.  Place name of Jesus sticker on one side and coordinating verse sticker on the other side. Punch a hole at the top of the ornament. String with twine for hanging. Place all 24 ornaments in the container you have provided.

Sticker sheets:

Click here for the circle label sheets we used for this station

Ornament template:

Click here for the template of the Names of Jesus that goes along with the above sticker sheet

2. Nativity Garland

Supplies needed:

• Scissors
• Twine
• Nativity cutout sheets
• Tape/glue dots

Click here to download these free printable nativity characters

Cut out nativity characters. Cut about a 4-foot piece of twine—glue or tape characters to the twine to make a nativity garland.

Place the garland on your Christmas tree, drape it from your mantel, windows, etc.

3. Make a Christmas Card

Supplies needed:

• Blank cards/envelopes
• Christmas stickers
• Markers
• Small foam letters
• Basket

Decorate a Christmas card for a family that has come to The Salvation Army for Christmas assistance. Place it in the basket provided at the station for distribution in the Christmas baskets.

4.Christmas Friendship Bracelet

Supplies needed:

• Friendship bracelet supplies (click here for a suggested supply link)
• Christmas Cards that are blank inside (buy at a Dollar store or craft store)

Think of a person who has been helpful or encouraging to you recently. What special word do you want to share with the person? Make a friendship bracelet with words like LOVE, JOY, THANKS, BESTIES, BRO, TEAM, etc.

Once you have made the bracelet, take a Christmas card provided, write a note about why you chose this word, and wish them a “Merry Christmas.” Give them the card.

Remember, Christmas is all about giving to others!