Christmas services are special—the sanctuary is beautifully decorated, families dress up, and the story of Jesus’ birth takes center stage. But for young children sitting through longer-than-usual services, it can be challenging to stay engaged. That’s where Christmas Service Activity Bags come in!
Why Activity Bags Matter
Your kids ministry offerings may be temporarily closed to allow volunteers to attend the service. Or, holiday services often draw families with young children who don’t regularly attend church. These parents might feel anxious about whether their kids can sit quietly through the service. By offering activity bags, you’re sending a powerful message: “Kids are welcome here, and we’ve thought about their needs.”
Activity bags also help regular attenders enjoy the service more fully. When children have quiet, meaningful activities to do, parents can worship without constant worry about disruptions. Everyone wins—kids stay engaged, parents stay present, and your service maintains its reverent atmosphere.
What to Include
The best activity bags balance fun with purpose. Include Christmas-themed coloring pages that tell the nativity story, simple word searches with vocabulary like “manger,” “shepherd,” and “star,” and stickers kids can use to decorate a scene. Crayons or colored pencils are essential—just make sure they’re good quality so they don’t break easily.
Consider adding a Christmas story booklet that kids can read along with during the service, or a simple craft like a paper ornament they can assemble. Include a candy cane or small treat as a special touch. Keep everything mess-free and quiet—no glitter, noisy toys, or markers that could stain the pews.
Making Them Work
Have activity bags ready at entrance points where families can easily grab them as they arrive. Train greeters to offer them proactively, especially to families with young children. You might even create different bags for different age groups—simpler activities for preschoolers, more challenging puzzles for elementary kids.
The Bigger Picture
Activity bags are more than just babysitters for restless kids—they’re tools for hospitality and inclusion. When families see that your church has thought through their needs, they feel welcomed and valued. That positive first impression can be the difference between a one-time visitor and a family that comes back.
Christmas services are often the first (and sometimes only) time unchurched families step into your building. Activity bags help ensure that experience is positive, peaceful, and welcoming for everyone involved.
This Christmas, make your services family-friendly with simple activity bags that show kids—and their parents—that they belong in God’s house!
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