As we come to the end of October and look ahead to November and December, we can’t forget about the holidays that we are about to encounter. They are great times. We love gathering with our students and having some extra fun and laughter. You may be planning a Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve party. You may be looking at a special night of Christmas caroling. Whatever you’re looking at, it takes time, effort and intentionality. It is important to remember a few things as we celebrate in student ministry.
Most student ministry workers know how to throw a fun holiday party. It is two parts sugar, one part games and a pinch of Jesus. It should be more than just a pinch of Jesus, but that is often what happens. This week, I want to share some things that you need to remember as you work on your party and activity plans.
• Don’t plan events that conflict with school events. That is harder than it seems for churches with multiple schools and towns represented, but it is important to check with your students about concerts and activities they are involved in. Way back in the 1900s, my high school experience included marching in the Christmas parade and playing at our local hospital. It was expected that we would be involved in them if it wasn’t required. You may only have one or two students connected to those outside groups, but where possible, make the adjustment.
• Don’t plan events that conflict with church-wide events. It seems crazy to even mention this, but if we are not careful, we can get the cart in front of the horse in our planning. Take some time to talk with your pastor and other leaders about the plans for the holiday months. Stay away from youth events that put extra stress on the church family or a student’s family. For example, if your church has a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, don’t plan a youth alternative. Your students are a part of the body. They need the intergenerational connection that those events can provide. Additionally, don’t plan an evening event on those same weekends if it can be avoided. When there’s too much activity, parents often just say “no.”
• Don’t forget to plan out your family time. You need to create and curate special moments with your wife and children during the holiday months. You may have a Christmas Eve service or other events that take up time that would otherwise be spent with your family. Be intentional and find things that you can do with little ones. While we are not guaranteed any of our days, at most, we have 18 Christmas days with our little ones before they start shifting away from us. Go out and look at the lights. Attend a specific Christmas performance. Make a special movie night at home with Christmas goodies and an activity. There are many things you can do. You just need to be intentional.
• Don’t forget to look for service opportunities. One of the best ways to get your students involved is by serving the church and community. Visiting a nursing home or Christmas caroling are just two simple ways to get involved in the holidays. While they remember the laughter from your parties, they will remember the details and emotions of loving others through service.
• Don’t forget to bring God into the activity. Thanksgiving is all about giving God thanks for what He has done. Christmas is about the great gift of Jesus. Those are the places that we need to start from. While we enjoy the food, fellowship and fun of the holidays, the holidays should remind our students of what God has done. Make a place for the Father at your holiday gatherings.
• Don’t forget to involve your volunteer team. You may not be the best party planner, but you know that it is still important. Lean on the members of your volunteer team who thrive in those situations. Empower them to plan out the activity. We don’t have to do it all. We can allow others the opportunity to serve and grow through that service. You will still want to meet with them and talk through the activity, but you don’t have to be responsible for every detail.
The holidays can be a fun time of activity and service. Take some time and be intentional in your prep. A great holiday activity can have a lasting impact on your students. Join the conversation and let us know some of your favorite holiday activities. You can join our Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/studentministrymatterscommunity.
