First:
Use craft sticks to make a small manger. Place the manger and a container of straw pieces in a prominent place in your home.
Second:
Sing: Away in a Manger
Read: Luke 2:4-7
Third:
Ask: What do we do to get ready for Christmas? Point out that it is possible for us to get so busy getting everything ready for Christmas that we forget to get our hearts ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Show the kids the empty manger. Explain that each time anyone sees a member of the family doing something kind or thoughtful, a piece of straw may be added to the manger. Challenge the family to see how full the manger can be by Christmas day.
Pray: Ask God to help us keep our focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.