As with most challenges, there is no simple, guaranteed-to-work answer. As a Sunday School teacher, you have an opportunity to help children grow beyond the “gimmes” and toward an awareness of Christmas that will remain with them even when the toys aren’t new anymore. Here are some suggestions for drawing children’s attention away from getting.

• Tell the Christmas story. Of course you are already doing this. Keep up the good work! Tell the story over and over and over. Read the story from the Bible. Use picture books to tell the story. Tell the story in your own words. Let the children tell you the story. By hearing the story of Jesus’ birth over and over, children realize the importance of the story. It becomes a part of their story; a part they will always remember.
• Explain why Christmas is important. Telling the story is important, but don’t just leave it there. Discuss it! The birth of God’s son, Jesus, into a hurting world was a BIG deal. Jesus’ life ended up changing the world. Jesus’ message of love and peace and justice is still relevant today, over 2,000 years later. That’s amazing.
• Focus on the joy of giving. Yes, children like to receive gifts. (Admit it, you do, too.) However, when given the opportunity children also enjoy giving gifts. They like to select the right gift and anticipate the reaction of the recipient. Sometimes they get so excited that they find it impossible to keep the present a secret! Discuss what it feels like to be able to give someone a gift that makes them happy. Encourage the children to think about the gifts that they can give to others, especially those that don’t have to be bought in the store, such as hugs, pictures they’ve drawn, being a helper, etc.
• Embrace the enthusiasm. Sometimes we can become overwhelmed by the energy level of children who are excited about Christmas. This year, instead of trying to get the children to calm down (which rarely works anyway), let their enthusiasm rub off on you. Celebrate with them the joy of Christmas. Remember once again that Immanuel – God with us – was born. That is truly a reason to celebrate!

~Sally Hoelscher