So, Christmas is almost upon us! No doubt, you’re in the midst of Christmas events, evenings, parties and the like. But, if you are still short of ideas, here are some simple things that you can do which will make a difference. You probably know all this, but sometimes, in the drive to catch the zeitgeist, we can forget the simple things.
1. Food
Young people love food. It never fails to amaze me how much food young people can put away. No matter how much you provide, it always disappears. At my church, the young people have breakfast as part of their Sunday session, and yet it’s still a battle to stop them hoovering up all the post-service cakes as well.
You just need to choose the right food; no young person is going to rush to get their hands on a green salad (and to be honest, neither would you). So, find out what your group likes and supply that when you have a Christmas event. It could be cakes (click here for more on the spiritual value of baked goods), pizza, burgers, ice cream… I know that’s not very healthy, but this is Christmas.
2. Film night
An easy win in terms of preparation. Choose a suitable Christmas film (think more Home Alone than Krampus), make sure your church or venue has the right licence agreement (CCLI can help you there), put the popcorn on the go and settle down for a great evening’s festive entertainment.
3. Games
Most young people love stupid games (even if they don’t want to admit it to their mates). You can plumb the depths of your own memory to pull out those golden favourites: the chocolate game, the After-Eight challenge (other thin chocolate after-dinner mints are available), pass the parcel, ‘Bring me a…’ or musical chairs (though the last two need to be thoroughly risk-assessed – limbs may well be lost).
4. Party-piece concert
Easily organised a week or so beforehand; get young people to perform whatever they’re talented in: singing, dancing, magic, football freestyling, ventriloquism… You might need to vet things before the performance, so that you know you have something worth watching! Ask one of the leaders (or a confident young person) to be the MC and enjoy the show!
5. Bless your team
Remember your team too. Take them out for a meal, give them a gift, write them a personal card recognising their specific contribution (something more than ‘thanks for all your hard work this term’). You could even have people in your congregation cook them a meal and get the young people to serve the team.
That’s three or four Christmas events right there, and none of them rocket science. But they will all help your young people and team have fun, build relationships and celebrate Christmas together. What more could you ask?
Alex Taylor is part of the Youth and Children’s Team for the Diocese of London. And loves Christmas. No, he really loves Christmas.