While many Christmas parties are for adults only and provide time away from the kids, members of First Christian Reformed Church of Lynden, Wash., created an event that included all the kids.
On December 7, about 25 kids ranging in age from 2 months to 8 years and their parents created holiday crafts such as a snowman ornament made from bottle caps and a picture frame constructed of Popsicle sticks. “My favorite part about the Christmas workshop was making a candle jar craft,” said Sadie H., 5.
There were six different craft stations. Young people from the church at each station helped the children glue, cut, and paint. “We were initially [thinking of] asking parents if they could help at a table but then we went toward asking the youth [so that parents] could enjoy making the crafts with the kids,” said Jill Hagglund, event coordinator. Everyone also frosted and sprinkled sugar cookies and enjoyed snacks together.
Dan Houston, the church’s youth pastor, said each child paid a quarter per craft. “We asked the kids to pay so that they would feel like they were buying their gift for the person they were making the gift for. The money raised will go to World Renew, and I hope we can bless a family with an animal in a Third World country.”
While the adults typically have their own Christmas party and provide nursery care for their kids, they enjoyed seeing the smiles on the children’s faces. “The kids always bring Christmas alive! We need to see it through their eyes more,” said Hagglund.
About the Author
Amy Toornstra is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Salem, Oregon.