Keeping Kids Engaged During Christmas Break

The tree is up, the chill is in the air, and the kids are counting down to when they can open their presents! No doubt that as the Christmas break approaches, you and your kids are looking forward to rest, celebration, and quality time together. But after the initial excitement of presents, yummy treats, and extended family time fades, you're probably left wondering: How do I keep my kids engaged in meaningful ways during these weeks off? At Northshore Christian Academy, we believe Christmas break is a beautiful opportunity to nurture faith, creativity, and connection. Here are some of the ways we want to encourage you to keep kids engaged, while celebrating the birth of Christ: 

Create a Christ-Centered Countdown

Instead of a traditional advent calendar, try a daily devotional or scripture-based countdown. Each day, read a Bible verse that leads up to the birth of Jesus, and pair it with a simple activity like a craft, prayer, or act of kindness. 

Example: 

• Day 1: Luke 1:26–38 — Make angel ornaments 
• Day 2: Matthew 1:18–25 — Write a thank-you note to someone who reflects God’s love 

Make Music for the Season

Music is hands down my favorite way to worship Jesus. Christmas can be a great time to teach your kids classic carols and hymns, explore the stories behind them, or even write your own songs about Jesus’ birth. You could organize a family outing for Caroling, visit a local church for Christmas worship, or check out our calendar at NCA for all of our Christmas events. Make sure you talk about how music can be a form of worship and a way to share the Gospel to others. 

Serve Others Together

Christmas is the perfect time to practice compassion and give to others. Look for service opportunities that are age-appropriate and meaningful - packing care kits, baking cookies for first responders or neighbors, or donating toys to families in need are just a few examples. 

Reflect and Pray as a Family

Amid the hustle and bustle, carve out quiet moments for prayer and reflection. Light candles, read scripture, and talk about what Christmas means to each family member. Encourage your kids to share their hopes, questions, and gratitude. You could even create a “Prayer Jar” where kids can drop in prayers throughout the break and as a family, you can revisit them at the dinner table or before bedtime as a way to stay connected in prayer. 

Share a New Year Commitment 

January is the perfect time to start a new tradition or make a commitment to starting something. In my family, one of the things we commit to each year is either starting a 'Bible in a Year' plan, or committing to various Devotionals throughout the year. Either option keeps us in the Word year round and keeps us focused on carving out some time each day to spend with God. 

Christmas break doesn’t have to mean you're hearing your kids repeatedly say 'MOMMMM, I'm bored!' Nor does it have to be a time where you end up giving in to lots of extra screentime and then feel mom guilt.  With intention and creativity, it can be a season of continued joy, spiritual growth, and lasting memories with your family. Northshore Christian Academy is praying that your family experiences the joy and peace of Christ’s birth in every moment during this school break and beyond!