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The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy.
Looking for Christmas crafts and books that keep Jesus in the center of our celebration? I’ll share my favorite Christmas and Advent books, crafts and recipes that you can use with your children.
This Advent season, I’m going to create a Countdown to Christmas box, and wrap up some of our favorite books. We will unwrap one each day, and enjoy them as a family.
Here are some of the ones you’ll find in our house.
Get your little ones involved in the story of Christmas with this new take on the traditional 12 days of Christmas song.
At the end of the story, you’ll find the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke to enjoy.
Kick off your Advent craft season with this coffee filter angel from Musings of Me.
2. Who is Coming to Our House?
Your children will delight in this tale of the animals preparing their home for some very special guests.
As a mother, I like to think of the Christmas story from Mary’s point of view. This beautiful book brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.
Jesus has many names – teach your children his different titles with these handmade ornaments. These would be great to decorate a small tree or to place on presents.
All the animals welcome Baby Jesus with their own special voice. The shy donkey, with a loud “Hee-haw!” makes the baby laugh.
Make your own Christmas Donkey with this template from DLTK Kids.
Practice your alphabet and learn all the events, people, animals and words of the Nativity with this beautiful book.
Want more alphabet work? Don’t miss Carisa’s Nativity Preschool Pack.
Want to remind your children to give thanks to God at this very special time of year? Don’t miss this sweet tale.
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Looking for more printables for your children to enjoy? Don’t miss this Advent set from Raising Little Saints.
The animals join in nature’s chorus to welcome Baby Jesus. Don’t miss the promotional video here from Zonderkids.
Have an old cookie sheet lying around? Create your own Nativity scene and sing hymns with this set from Design Dazzle. This would be a great DIY gift, too!
I love hearing about the Wise Men, and children love hearing about Humphrey, the camel that carried them to the stable in Bethlehem.
You and your children can make your very own camels, along with the rest of the Nativity, by using this template from Catholic Icing.
Young children will enjoy the simple text and soft pictures in this retelling of the Nativity story.
Recreate an EDIBLE Nativity scene with this tutorial from A-OK Corral.
Even your youngest little ones will enjoy this Christmas book! In our house, lift the flap books are a special treat.
Have some hands on fun with your small children and make this Bottle Cap Baby Jesus. (not for kids under 3)
I’ve got more fun over on my Christmas Resources Pinterest board. If I’ve left out a favorite book or craft, be sure to share in the comment box.
When she’s not busy reading Advent books to her children, Dianna keeps busy writing at The Kennedy Adventures. She’s also a contributor to The Homeschool Classroom and New Evangelizers. Be sure and connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google + and Pinterest.
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Great ideas! I don’t think my family’s ready for the edible nativity scene, though. My two year old would end up eating it, and I’m not sure how I’d explain that to the older kids… “Um, honey, your little sister ate baby Jesus.” They forgive her almost anything but that might take a while! 🙂
Wonderful ideas, our family has a few of the books you shared and they are great. I love the edible nativity idea also. Thanks for sharing at my Our Favorite Things Link Party.