As we prepare for a New Year, it is an excellent time to share the hope we have in Christ. Our children need to know that hope can never be taken away in the future. “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”  Proverbs 23:18

Kids are beings of the here and now.  The closest they come to planning for the future is what to do next Saturday.  Boys and girls are often frightened of the unknown, and when their feelings become filled with doubt, they need to remember that God has things under control. The best way to address these fears is talk about them! The following activity is a fun way to help with the discussion.

Past and Present

Have children write or draw a few things they remember from the past year. What was their favorite month? Why? What was the most exciting thing that happened?

Next, have children list some things they are looking forward to in the coming New Year.

Cool Shades: Copy a sunglass pattern on stiff paper for the kids to cut out, or purchase sunglasses for the kids to wear while singing this rap:

God has given me hope with the plans He’ laid-

My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!

God has given me a place in the future He’s made-

My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!

God loves me and His love just won’t fade-

My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!

Each New Year we look for new beginnings. Here are three simple steps to make 2013 a great year in the life of your family.

1. Celebrate

That is right, celebrate! Think back over the past twelve months and thank God for the victories     your family has experienced.

2. Evaluate

Have each family member answer these questions.

• What did I learn last year?
• What went well?

• What can I do better?

3. Focus

Busyness kills focus. Discuss ways to eliminate clutter in your life, and then identify five top priorities for 2013.

Make a tradition of sharing holiday stories. There are so many Christmas books in the Christian bookstores. In our family, I try to find one each year and read it to the whole group. We play games or coordinate a gift to go along with the book.

Here are the books and ideas:

The Legend of the Candy Cane by James Griffin We played candy cane games such as licking a candy cane to see who could get it the smallest in a certain amount of time. Funny!

The Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Lori Walburg Each person received a stocking with their favorite candy inside.

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie A Sparkle Box was given to each family (to fill for Jesus). I know there are many others, so take time to relax and enjoy!

What will make this Christmas memorable?

The little things help define your family’s sense of identity and create traditions that will be passed on through the years. Slow down and make memories with those you love most!

Reminisce with Pictures or Videos -Get out the pictures of past holidays and reminisce. Of course, popcorn is a must.

Group Baking- Prepare a meal with the whole family. Gather easy recipes and give everyone a part in the process. You may discover a chef in midst.

Game Night- Google “Minute to Win It” games and select several to play. This will be a favorite for everyone.

Snow Day-Have an indoor snowball fight. Cover the furniture with sheets so it looks like snow, and roll up socks for snowballs.

What does Thanksgiving mean for your family? Football games, lots of food and Grandma’s house? This year begin a new tradition with an old story told about the Pilgrims. It was very cold that first winter and there was little food. Some days they only had five kernels of corn to eat. Soon their crops began to grow and they had plenty. Every Thanksgiving thereafter, the Pilgrims placed five kernels of corn beside their plate to remind them of their blessings.

The five kernels represented:

The beauty of God’s creation, especially in the fall

The love of each other

The love of family

Friends

Freedom

An idea for your family is to put five pieces of candy corn in a snack size Ziploc bag and share this story with the ones at your Thanksgiving meal. Include the five blessings in prayer for the meal and encourage family members to add to the list.

Fall is here and school is in full swing. Have you already heard these comments? “Mom they won’t play with me” or “That kid is so mean.” It is hard to get along with others, especially when others are not very nice!

Remember the Golden Rule? “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Wow, teaching our children to put love into action when others do not deserve it is an awesome task. Our job as Christians is to leave the world a better place just by being here. God wants us to spread a little love as we go about our day.

Give your child this challenge: Make the Golden Rule for School something to “measure” your love for God and others!