1. Help tamariki see, touch and taste Christmas 

Christmas presents a wonderful opportunity to welcome families from the local community, as well as whānau who may be visiting. Ensuring that children feel accommodated during the service not only benefits the young ones in our midst, but often enriches the experience for all generations. 

One simple way could be to consider how you include the five senses into your worship service. Reflect on what images, art, or visuals can be displayed for children to see. Are there objects they can touch and play with that will remind them of the Christmas story later. Are your songs inclusive and easy for young people to join in with? And how can you offer delicious Christmas manaakitanga that tastes good too?

Having a few kids’ welcome packs up your sleeve can also help them feel welcomed and settled as they sit with their family. For more ideas, including downloadable activity sheets, visit strandz.org.nz and bibleexplore.nz.

2. Bring the music: young and old

A particularly inspiring idea comes from Newlands Anglican Church in Wellington, where the local community is invited to join an impromptu pop-up band for the Christmas Eve nativity. Regardless of musical experience or how long it has been since last playing an instrument, everyone is encouraged to participate—perhaps even dusting off an old flute or violin from the back of the cupboard. The first year saw a professional saxophonist, kids on ukuleles, and three trumpets whose lips went numb after the first few carols. There was much joy, laughter and fun for the whole community.

3. Share the story together

Recently, twenty-five families across the Waikato - Taranaki Diocese participated in a Jesse Tree exchange, where they created and swapped decorations that tell the story of the Bible. Using the Book of Belonging, they explored Jesus’ ‘Ancestry of Aroha’. They also included stories about amazing women in the Bible, and held a breakfast Zoom call to celebrate their co-creation. 

4. Keep it simple 

Given that it has been a long year for many, not everyone arrives at Christmas with the angel’s exuberance.  Avoid the temptation to overcomplicate your Christmas services and turn them into epic stage performances. Let’s remember that the Good News of Jesus is good news for families today, and our hope is for children to discover the Saviour of the world in the simplicity of the manger.

6. Share the Xmas sparkle that lasts

As Rev Pete Watson said at the St Paul’s nativity, may your experience of the Christmas story remain with you like specks of glitter and sand - both having a remarkable way of turning up in unexpected places for many weeks to come.

For more ideas this Kirihimete go to Bible Explore , Te Aka for Mihinare resources and the Strandz website Advent and Christmas resources page. 

Diana Langdon is the National Children and Families Ministry Enabler for the Anglican Dioceses in New Zealand (Tikanga Pākehā).