How’s your holiday calendar filling up? You’ve probably got plans with family and friends, but do you want to do something special with your small group? After walking alongside each other all year long, it’s nice to take a break with some holiday fun. And since caroling might not be everyone’s cup of cocoa, here are a few ideas to make meaningful Christmas memories with your spiritual family.
- Gift wrapping party. You’ve got to wrap them anyway; why not do it together? Have each person bring a roll of wrapping paper, a pair of scissors, and their loot. Turn up the Christmas tunes, pass the tape, and wrap away. If you want to add a spiritual element, pray over the recipients as you go. Find more ideas to make this evening extra fun here.
- Christmas cookie swap. Everyone brings a few dozen of one type of cookie but goes home with a variety to enjoy! What’s not to like? Set the mood with our Christmas playlist. You could even have prizes for best taste, best design, and best try. After the party, gather the recipes and send them together to your group in one email.
- Like-item gift exchange. Select one item that everyone brings such as a scarf, a mug, an ornament, or a book. Set a price limit, wrap your item anonymously, and swap dirty-Santa style. My small group did this for years, and it was always so fun because you knew you’d be leaving with a mug—you just didn’t know which one! Here are 12 more fun takes on gifts to exchange.
- Christmas Eve pre (or after) party. If your church offers a Christmas Eve service, plan to attend as a group. Before or after the service, have everyone over for mulled cider and light snacks to reflect on your year together. Talk about prayers that have been answered, hopes for the new year, or the specific ways you are grateful for each person in the room.
What ideas would you add to the list? Tell us about them in the comments below!
Larissa Arnault Roach is the marketing team leader for Lifeway Women. She loves a good party and considers Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 her life verse. She also loves to read and tells anyone who will listen about the Overdrive app—the easiest way she’s found to read books on her Kindle and listen to endless audiobooks for free.
