If your town is like most, Halloween is already gone and Christmas decorations are sprouting up all over. It seems like the "materialistic" side of Christmas begins to start quicker and quicker each year, and as that happens, the true meaning seems to become lost underneath the need for the newest game system or elmo. If you're looking for creative ideas for the children and youth of your parish to get back to the true meaning of Advent, click below.

Advent is the season of expectation, the coming of the Christ child.  Most of us know about calendars and wreaths, but here are some other ways to use Advent as a way of teaching children and youth about not only this wonderful season, but to also teach them that this is a wonderful time to see Christ in others.

TIP #1:  A multi-generational Advent Event

Use the first Sunday in Advent as a time to teach families creative ways to enjoy the season.  Let families make their own Advent wreaths and calendars, and offer free candles and Advent prayer booklets as well.  Check with other Episcopal churches on what they offer for Advent in regards to reflections, activities, and prayers for children and families.  For information on other ideas for an Advent Event, visit King of Peace or Faith-At-Home.  These sites offer information on Advent wreaths, the Jesse Tree, St. Nicholas, and the Twelve Days of Christmas.

TIP #2:  Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas is an Advent saint because his December 6th feast day always falls in early Advent (Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas between November 27 and December 3). However, Nicholas is a good Advent saint for more important reasons than the date of his special day. Whatever he did, and it is said that he did many kinds of amazing things, what he did may not be as important as the way he did it. Nicholas became so popular because in his own life he was such a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. His life always clearly reflected the way each one of us is called to show God's love to others, especially those in need.

Celebrating St. Nicholas on his day in Advent brings a bit of fun and festivity into homes, churches, and schools. His small treats and surprises help keep the spirit of good St. Nicholas, especially when stories of his goodness and kind deeds are told and ways to express his care for those in need are sought. Yes, Nicholas is a good Advent saint.

For more information and creative ideas of how to celebrate St. Nicholas day, visit the St. Nicholas Center at www.stnicholascenter.org

TIP #3:  Family Outreach

The Christmas season is a wonderful time to celebrate and give thanks for all the blessings of this life.  Use this time to help others and make it a family affair.  Help wrap or deliver presents for families in need or help cook a Christmas meal for a local homeless shelter.  Another great opportunity is to make "Christmas Baskets" and give them to local charities to hand out.  

TIP #4:  Angel Trees

There are plenty of organizations that help provide presents to children and families during Christmas.  Check in your community and ask organizations for entire families to help.  Set up a tree with names of these families on cut out angels with important information such as shoe and clothing sizes, toy wishes, etc.  Allow families in your church to pick an angel and shop for them.  Allow the children to pick the toys and clothing for the kids while parents can shop for the adults.  Get more helpful hints by clicking here. 

TIP #5:  Alternative Presents

Instead of a large number of presents for each member of the family, try one present per family member, and then buying alternative presents.  Instead of buying a scarf for Aunt Myrtle, try buying a flock of geese for a village in Africa through Heifer International.  Instead of that new putter for your dad, donate to First Tee to help get youth off the street and into the game of golf.  Sponsor a child to attend summer camp for the first time instead of buying that ipod.  Is the environment important to you?  If so, donate to  Sierra Club or Greenpeace.  Find an organization or cause that is important to you and honor your friends and family by giving in their honor.

By using these ideas and others, we can teach our children and youth not only about the season of Advent and Christmas, but also what it means to be a Christian and an Episcopalian.