Content:
- What is Christmas? The story of the Nativity for children
- Fasting before Christmas
- Christmas Eve
- Carols
- Christmas presents
What is Christmas?
Christmas is an annual holiday celebrated by Orthodox Christians around the world on January 7 in honor of the birth of the son of God Jesus Christ, the savior of people.
However, not all Christians in the world celebrate Christmas on this day. Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas on December 25 according to the Gregorian calendar. And the Armenian Church celebrates it on January 6. And although in Christianity this holiday is considered the birthday of Jesus Christ, the exact date of his birth is unknown.
The story of the Nativity for children
A children's Bible will be an excellent assistant to parents in explaining the origin and meaning of Christmas. According to scripture, Jesus was the son of Mary. Before his birth, God sent an angel to her, who said that she would soon give birth to an unusual child - the Son of God. Mary became pregnant from the holy spirit, and the righteous Joseph, to whom she was betrothed, decided to secretly let her go. However, in a dream an angel came to him and asked him to accept Mary, for her baby was the son of God and he was destined to save people from their sins.
It so happened that Mary and her husband Joseph ended up in the city of Bethlehem. When they arrived there, it was already night, the family tried for a long time to find accommodation for the night, but in the end they had to settle in a cave, which the local shepherds considered a stable for animals. That same night, the Virgin Mary gave birth to a child and became the Most Holy Theotokos. She swaddled her son and laid him in a manger as if in a cradle - that’s what a cattle feeder was called in those days. Later, this name began to be used in our usual meaning of “nursery”, i.e. junior group in a preschool institution.
A star appeared in the sky that night in honor of the birth of the Infant God. The Eastern sages - the Magi - saw the luminary and realized that a miracle had happened. Following its light, they found the baby and presented him and his mother with gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. And when Jesus grew up, he preached to people about the kingdom of God and saved them from their sins.
Christmas is the perfect time to unite and strengthen family relationships, reconcile with loved ones, and let go of all grievances. On this day people meet, share good memories and give gifts as a symbol of their love. On the Orthodox holiday, it is important to help even strangers - those who need support and care. This day inspires people all over the world to do good things.
Fasting before Christmas
40 days before Christmas, believers usually fast: they do not eat meat products, eggs, sweets and milk. Those who fast include fish dishes, porridge without oil, soups, and stewed vegetables in their diet. But the most important thing during Lent is to cleanse your soul and thoughts of grievances and evil thoughts: do not quarrel, do not offend others and do not think about negativity.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the evening before Christmas. On this day, the final preparations are made before such an important day in Christian culture. On the eve of the big holiday, the church holds services at midnight. On Christmas Eve they also try to eat regular food. And even if your family does not fast, then at least on this day it is advisable to eat lean food.
The word “Christmas Eve” itself comes from the name of the dish - sochivo. This is a type of kutya made from rice. The cereal is boiled and soaked with poppy seeds, fruits or nuts. They didn’t put butter in the sochivo on Christmas Eve - after all, Lent was still going on. Along with this, there is a tradition of not eating anything on this day “until the first star.”
Entertainment: What is Christmas? for children of the preparatory group. Scenario
Round table with parents: “What is Christmas?”
Author: Efimova Alla Ivanovna, teacher of GBDOU No. 43, Kolpino St. Petersburg
Description: This material is intended for educators and primary school teachers to conduct events dedicated to the New Year and Christmas in primary schools and preschool institutions. Goal: Creating a festive mood. Objectives: - Develop logical thinking, sense of rhyme; — Teach children to solve riddles, thereby expanding their vocabulary and horizons; — Develop creative imagination. — Teaching folk games and joint activities. Preliminary work: memorizing poems, carols, conversations on the topic, watching presentations.
Educator: Hello children and guests. It is with great pleasure that we are glad to see and welcome you as our guest. Make yourself comfortable, make yourself at home. It is no coincidence that we have all gathered here; everyone knows that the winter holidays are coming and there are many of these holidays. All these holidays are fun, with festivities, songs and dances. I’m sure you and I will have the same wonderful holiday today. Tell me, please, children, what winter holidays do you know? Children: New Year, Christmas, baptism, old New Year. Educator: Yes, all the answers are correct. After all, each holiday has its own specific date. Who can tell me these numbers? Answers. Educator: What do you think people do on Christmas, on baptism, on New Year's Eve? Answers. Educator: Guys, why do you think the holiday was called Christmas? Answers: Christ was born. Child: I remember how, as a child, I heard a story about Christmas for the first time. I was excited to tears - After all, little Christ was born Not in a rich eminent house And lay not in a magnificent cradle, But in a remote cave, on straw, Angels, bending over him, sang.
Educator: We have learned poems dedicated to these holidays for our respected parents, and I will ask our children to go out and read the poems. Child: Silver holiday In our country, A decorated Christmas tree - In every window. Everyone is waiting: Now he will come in, Brand new Next year. Twelve little sparrows are chilling in the garden. Twelve months into the new year. Midnight struck - Twelve o'clock. And we read the Twelve Verses. Child: Happy Christmas! There is no happier celebration! On the night of Christ's birth, a Star lit up above the earth. Since then, through the centuries, it shines on us like the sun. Warms the soul with faith, So that the world becomes more beautiful, better. Gives sparkles of magic Happy Christmas! Peace comes to every home, Merry Christmas! Educator: Today, on the eve of all these holidays, my parents and I decided to arrange a small holiday for you with tea. But so that my parents wouldn’t get bored, I decided to organize a little competition for them. The children replied that on Christmas many people go caroling and tell fortunes. Educator: And now I want to address my question to the parents. What do carolers want? Parents' answers. Educator: I am sure that many parents know small carols and I want to invite them to sing carols at our holiday. Parents sing carols: The carol was born, On the eve of Christmas Chorus: Oh, Kolyada, my carol! Open the window, let's start Christmas! Chorus: Oh, Kolyada, my carol! Open doors, get you out of bed. Chorus: Oh, Kolyada, my carol! Educator: Kolyada came, it brought fun to everyone, don’t sit, don’t be bored, quickly get up for the round dance. Educator: I invite you to the game. The most favorite games in Rus' were round dance games. And you and I will play a round dance game. Two children or adults form a gate. Children pass through the gate singing. To the words: “And she left the little one,” the gate closes. The caught children join the drivers. Game “Carol has come to us...”. The carol came to us, brought the carol, She went by herself, saw all the children, and left the little one behind.
Educator: We played a little, you can relax. I want to tell you some Christmas riddles that both adults and children can guess. - In the middle of winter there is a great celebration: a great holiday - Jesus... - (Christmas) - There is a celebration in the whole world, Because... (Christmas)! - For long days she led them here, a big... (star) appeared in the sky. - This Angel brought news that She would be born... (Christ) - And what gifts did the carolers receive? (cookies, candies, sometimes coins and fruits) - The main dish of the Christmas holidays, which is placed on the table in a pot? (kutia) - A festive attribute, without which the New Year and Christmas holidays are not complete? (Christmas tree) - How did they decorate the Christmas tree in Rus'? (sweets, apples, etc.) - They gave the brothers a warm house so that the five of them could live. The big brother did not agree and settled separately. (Hand in mitten) Educator: The answers, you all know. (intercom ringing). Dad is late, we put him in a Santa Claus costume and he congratulates all the guests and invites them to the round dance.
Educator: We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and invite you to Christmas. What do you think Christmastide is? Answers: Christmas time is the days from January 6 to January 18, when people congratulate each other on the birth of Jesus Christ.
Educator: Christmas carols are an ancient custom of going from house to house with congratulatory songs, with wishes of health, a bountiful harvest, and prosperity. A carol is a request for alms. Child: Christmas has come - We have been waiting for it for a long time. The people celebrate Christmastide: They rejoice and sing. Young and old are having fun, who came to our tea party! Educator: Our parents chanted carols for us and wished us health. And we will answer them in kind, Let's sing together. Children sing carols: - Let's go Caroling, Walk along the street, Walk along the street, Happy New Year! - Kolyada, Kolyada, where have you been before? I spent the night in the field, and now I’ve come to you. - We sow, we weed, we sow, Merry Christmas! We sow, we weed, we sow, we wish you happiness and joy! - We wish all good people goodness, Gold and silver! Lush pies, honey pancakes! May everyone be healthy and live many years! Educator: Your carols are good, but let's play hide and seek with the snowballs. There are snowballs scattered on the floor, and try to collect them in a basket. We invite both parents and children to play. Game: “Hide the snowball in the basket.”
Educator: You sang and danced, You were probably very tired. Our mothers tried, worked, baked pies for tea. Some cheesecakes, some cookies, Thanks to them for the treat. The tables were set for us, and we were invited to tea.
Educator: While we are all drinking tea together, I propose to talk about family traditions. Merry Christmas to everyone. And during the holidays, I suggest you go congratulate your relatives, sing carols and pick up a lot of sweets. May the New Year and Christmas holiday give you a feeling of magic! Let the candle light warm the house, Let the smell of fresh pine needles be in it! Let your loved ones and friends be nearby, let your family be happy and joyful.
We recommend watching:
Christmas gatherings in kindergarten. Scenario for the “Nativity of Christ” holiday for senior preparatory groups at a preschool educational institution. Scenario Summary of GCD on the topic: Christmas in the senior group of kindergarten Pedagogical project in the senior group. Children about Christmas
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Holiday traditions
The celebration of Christmas is associated with many traditions that go deep into the past. And although the stormy flow of history in our country in the last century destroyed many of them, they are now being revived. Over the past few decades, many have begun to show great interest in their history, culture, and traditions of their kind. In addition to the fact that this is an important connection between generations, Christmas traditions will definitely make your holiday bright and unforgettable - your children will remember this holiday with warmth and awe.
Carols
Carols are ritual songs that our ancestors sang. The first carols did not carry religious overtones. Initially, they were all pagan and associated with the cult of fertility. Kolyada was the name of the goddess who patronized the rich harvest. Short, simple songs were sung wishing for a good harvest, because the life of our ancestors used to directly depend on this. With the advent of Christianity, pagan traditions were rethought. Carols retained their name, but became part of the tradition of praising the Birth of Christ.
In the old days, it was mainly young people and children who caroled. They walked in groups from courtyard to courtyard and sang carols, and the owners had to thank them with various goodies. The hospitable hosts believed that the more carolers they had, the happier and richer life would be in the coming year. Of course, few people follow this tradition these days, but it is such a charge of positivity and fun that you can take a few lyrics and sing with your children:
***
This is how it has happened in this world For many years in a row On such a magical, good evening Angels are flying to us from heaven. They bring goodness, hope, and blessings to every home. They wish everyone a happy new year and a blessed Christmas!
***
I'm caroling, caroling, I'll go into any hut. I’ll ask the hostess: Give me some sweets. And cookies, and sweets, And sherbet with nuts, And halva, and chocolate, Pastille and marmalade, Delicious ice cream, Sweet cake. We will eat ourselves, And treat each other, And remember the hostess, oh the hostess, with a kind word!
***
Today in your house we will sing and dance in your honor! We invite everyone to our Christmastide! Games and riddles await you. Fortune telling, dancing and laughter await! There are enough jokes for everyone here!
Christmas dinner
Christmas is supposed to be celebrated at home with loved ones. For a festive dinner, the family gathers around the table.
Since the long fast ends with the first star on Christmas Day, the table on this holiday should be rich and varied. Kutia is served with chocolate/honey, dried fruits and butter. The mandatory menu also includes hearty salads, sweet pastries, and, of course, the main traditional dish - baked goose or duck.
Special attention should be paid to sweets. And pamper your little sweet tooth with the most delicious delicacies. And you can cook them together, because in the kitchen you can be accompanied not only by a teenager, but also by a diligent preschooler and even a 3-year-old child. Together you can bake Christmas shaped cookies or create a gingerbread house. For the latter, you can buy a ready-made kit or bake its parts yourself - in any case, both adults and children will enjoy the process of creating such an edible masterpiece.
More details in the video:
Christmas tree and home decoration
Trees that remain green all year round have always had a special meaning for people. Bright spruce needles in winter remind people of hope and eternal life. They started decorating the Christmas tree relatively recently. This tradition appeared in our country a little over 100 years ago. And although now we primarily decorate a festive tree before the New Year, previously this custom was entirely dedicated to Christmas.
When decorating a Christmas tree with children, you can tell them about the meaning of each decorative element: angels, lights, wreaths, bells, stars - every detail symbolizes amazing and important Christmas things and events. You can also invite children to create their own Christmas decorations and colorful decorations.
Bells
Bells are perhaps one of the main symbols of Christmas. Bells have been rung for centuries to announce a major church holiday. They signify the birth of Christ, when angels from heaven announced this event.
Holiday light
Traditionally, for Christmas, the house and tree are decorated with bright holiday lights. In the past, before the advent of electricity, candles were used, and since they could light up at any moment, a bucket of water was always kept in the room with the tree.
Star
The main decoration of any Christmas tree - a pointed star - symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, which announced the birth of Jesus.
Nativity scene
A model of the Bethlehem Cave is placed in a place of honor on Christmas Day. You can buy a nativity scene or make it yourself with your children. A box/box is suitable for the base, and spruce branches can be successfully replaced with hay for laying on the floor during the winter holidays. The figures themselves can be purchased ready-made or created independently from cardboard, salt dough, papier-mâché or clay. The top of the nativity scene is decorated with a star made of foil or gold paper, which should preferably be illuminated from the inside with an artificial light.
You can get some inspiration in the video below.
Other Christmas Crafts for Kids
In addition to the main symbol of Christmas, we invite you to make Christmas crafts with your children. For example, creating a real fluffy snowflake yourself is quite simple. Detailed video instructions below:
And here you will find many examples of simple crafts with children:
Another integral attribute of the Nativity of Christ is a wreath. How to do it, see the visual instructions:
An idea for atmospheric Christmas lights to create coziness in your home:
And, of course, what would Christmas be without an angel? For details on how to make it, see the master class:
Christmastide
Christmastide is popularly called the two-week period from Christmas to Epiphany - from January 7 to January 17. This is a bizarre mixture of pagan rituals and Orthodoxy. On holy days, young people traditionally sang carols, and then gathered in the evening to taste the collected treats, have fun and tell fortunes. They cast fortunes mainly on grooms and the number of future children.
Secrets from the method box
Fortune telling and other mystical things are one of the ways to add some variety to everyday life. But such entertainment is not suitable for children; this will not work in kindergarten.
What was the most important thing for children on Christmas morning throughout the centuries? Go caroling and earn yourself a bunch of goodies! The custom of going from house to house in groups was traditional before the revolution, and today more and more Russians want to revive folk rituals. If earlier they put various foodstuffs in carolers’ bags (as many as they could), then nowadays children want sweets and toys.
For Christmas, it is appropriate to give small gifts, purely symbolic, as they say. You can make them yourself. Thematic manuals can help us with this. I like three books: “New Year. Christmas. Fun DIY crafts”, “Celebrating the New Year and Christmas”, “DIY angel figurines: step-by-step master classes”.
There are instructions for making crafts, fancy dress costumes, tips for decorating your home, recipes for holiday dishes, and scenarios for how to spend Christmas in kindergarten. Excellent benefits, I tell you.
Be sure to find an opportunity to purchase them for yourself. They will be useful not only for teachers, but also for everyone who likes to make crafts.
How to celebrate the holiday: entertainment for families with children
It’s better to spend the holiday with your family: exchange gifts, make Christmas crafts with your children, taste a festive dinner prepared with loved ones, and after eating, get together to watch a good movie or entertain your family with funny games!
Christmas presents
At Christmas, as a rule, it is customary to give symbolic and pleasant gifts. It should be something special that will remind you of your kindness and love:
Candles
One of the main attributes of Christmas. This is a symbol of faith and warmth.
Christmas sweets
Lately we've been getting a lot of treats from Western culture: gingerbread cookies, gingerbread houses and candy canes. If Russian traditions are closer to you, then you can bake sweet pies or make candied fruits. If possible and desired, it is ideal to prepare such gifts with your own hands.
Souvenirs
These could be bells or decorative elements to decorate your home for Christmas, a composition of fir branches, an edible bouquet or a Christmas-themed photo frame. The choice of such souvenirs these days is limitless.
Articles of Faith
The Bible and spiritual books, icons or figurines of angels - here it is important to know how the person to whom you want to give a gift feels about Christmas and faith.
Warm cozy things, knitted or sewn by yourself
A sweater, fluffy scarf or warm socks will please both men and women.
Children's gifts
I would like to give special attention and warmth to children at Christmas. Educational toys are suitable for kids, and arts and crafts kits, board games or cute little things, such as a glass ball with a Christmas motif and music, are suitable for older children.
greeting card
In the age of social media, real postcards with good wishes written in your own hand are a wonderful way to convey a piece of your warmth to someone else.
Christmas entertainment
Regardless of age, have a fun Christmas time: sleds, skates, skis - each family member can choose something different. For less active people and small children, invite them to build a snowman or a real ice fortress. In any case, the pleasure of spending time together in the fresh air is guaranteed!
After the festive dinner, you can have fun with the whole family. Prepare your favorite board games, competitions, charades.
We offer several exciting and fun games that are ideal for Christmas evening and will appeal to both adults and children.
12 months
Each participant makes a wish for a month and depicts it: in a drawing or in pantomime. The rest try to guess the month and the events shown.
Looking for surprises
In the room where the holiday is taking place and the Christmas tree stands, little amenities are hidden: souvenirs, sweets, gingerbread cookies, pine cones, nuts, toys. Participants go on a treasure hunt. The one who collects the most items wins.
Snowball
The one with the better memory will win here. The first participant says: “In Santa Claus’s bag...” (and names any item: a toy, a gift, or something funny). Each subsequent participant lists the items named before him and adds one of his own. You can play endlessly, or until someone gets completely confused. In any case, fun is guaranteed for everyone.
If you have small children, after the Christmas feast you can read the Bible with them or do something creative. With older children, you can plan a family Christmas game night, attend a church service, sing carols, or walk around the city among the Christmas lights. The point is to be with your family and loved ones at such a moment, and not with gadgets.
Christmas movies for the whole family
Watching a good Christmas movie will help while away a frosty winter evening after a fun day and bring the family together. We bring to your attention a small selection of films that will definitely not disappoint you:
"Miracle on 34th Street", 1947, dir. George Seaton
The story is about a little girl who dreams of setting her mother up with a lonely lawyer. In this she will be helped by Santa Claus, however, not the one who gives joy at Christmas with reindeer and bells, but a disguised actor who ended up in a psychiatrist and in the dock for the action of the film. How will all this turn out and will the little but very skeptical girl believe in miracles?
"Curly Sue", 1991, dir. John Hughes
A film from the creator of the film masterpiece “Home Alone” cannot a priori be boring. This is the story of a tramp who took into his care the little orphan Sue. Together with his friends, in the hope of “earning extra money,” he commits a crime and falls into the tenacious hands of the iron lady, lawyer Gray Allison. But at Christmas, what started out as a scam can turn into true love and family.
"Lost Christmas", 2011, dir. John Hay
A Christmas story about a boy named Gus who stole his father's car keys. An ordinary little prank led to dire consequences for many people. The wizard Anthony comes to the boy’s aid, but the problem is that he doesn’t even remember his name.
The Chronicles of Narnia film series based on the novels by C.S. Lewis
The exciting plot reveals deep Christian meanings. The film, like Lewis’s works themselves, is aimed at children who are already familiar with Scripture and are able to relate the film’s plot to the original source.
"Eloise 2: Christmas", 2003, dir. Kevin Lima
Remember Kevin McCallister? Meet his “twin” in female form – Eloise, who found herself alone in a hotel during the winter holidays. While her mother returns to her from a trip, her daughter must manage to upset someone else’s wedding and organize another. Parents will be amused by Eloise's mischief, and children will be delighted by her responsiveness and kindness.
Books for children about Christmas
We have selected for our readers several books that can easily claim to be the favorite works of children of all ages:
"The Little Match Girl" and other fairy tales by Andersen
The famous author has many “winter” works, the plot of which takes place during the magical Christmas time. “The Snow Queen”, “Spruce” and “The Little Match Girl” will be appreciated by both adults and children. These touching tales are designed to make us all a little kinder.
“Blue Bird”, M. Maeterlinck
A story full of kindness and faith in Man. On a mysterious Christmas night, a fairy comes to the woodcutter's children Tiltil and Mytil and asks for their help - to find a blue bird that will help cure her seriously ill granddaughter. Brother and sister go in search of a mysterious bird, as a result of which they find themselves in a strange memory, where unusual encounters and adventures await them.
“Journey of the Blue Arrow”, D. Rodari
The touching story of little Francesco, who dreams of the Blue Arrow train. A boy from a poor family was left without a desired gift on Christmas. One day the toys saw Francesco crying and... came to him themselves. The fairy tale teaches us to think not only about ourselves, but also to help those in need.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss
The famous story of the ever-disgruntled monster Grinch, who is annoyed by cheerful people. On the eve of the holiday, the green hermit decides to steal Christmas gifts, taking away people's joy. However, in the end the villain realizes that happiness does not lie in gifts...
“Christmas Porridge”, S. Nordqvist
A long time ago in Sweden, at Christmas time there was a good tradition of leaving a bowl of porridge for the gnomes living in the house (akin to Russian brownies). If a family leaves their little neighbors with nothing, they will get themselves into trouble. Unfortunately, recently people have begun to forget about this custom. And on the eve of Christmas, the gnome dad is seriously concerned that the owners of the house will leave his family without a hearty lunch for the holiday. You will learn about what a small but very resourceful family will do by reading this book.
Time for wish fulfillment
From time immemorial it is believed that on Christmas you can ask the heavens for something secret and it will certainly come true. The main thing is that the desire is kind and bright. There are many cases in history when on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day people were healed from a serious illness, and their deepest desires were fulfilled.
Therefore, it is necessary to tell children about the holiday of the Nativity of Christ, about the Christmas miracle, so that they learn from an early age to do good deeds and believe in miracles, because with faith in the best no adversity is scary.
What to come up with for children on the occasion of the Holy Nativity of Christ?
It would be extremely appropriate to have a preparatory conversation with the children about the holiday itself and its significance in our lives. You can talk about traditions and ask how children celebrate similar holidays at home. It will be beautiful if you make a nativity scene for a group.
This is not difficult: you can take the bottom of a large box, cover it with hay inside or with floral raffia (artificial hay). Place the box on its edge, glue an illustration of the birth of Christ inside, and put animal figures. This is exactly how I think you should prepare to spend Holy Christmas in kindergarten.
I think that the most successful and memorable option would be an event such as caroling in kindergarten. This one is very unusual, fun and funny. Children will simply be delighted, and adults too. Just don’t forget to warn your colleagues from other groups, as well as the administration, so that they take care of sweets for little carolers.
Since we want to have a fun Christmas holiday in our kindergarten, we need to plan everything. We make the simplest costumes: Parsleys, clowns, nesting dolls, folk costumes. We give children folk instruments: balalaika, pipe, rattle. We learn the simplest carols, words of greeting and go to groups, go into the kitchen, to the manager, the nurse and sing carols.
Then we have a feast, eating the sweets we received together!
You can organize a simple but fun fortune telling for children. We take a bag and put various objects in it that are associated with professions. Fortune telling is called: “Who will I be when I grow up?” Children pull out objects without looking and decipher their future profession.
Well, how do you like my idea of holding a folk-style Christmas in kindergarten? Share your impressions and tell us about your experience. Don’t forget to invite your colleagues and friends to our community, subscribe to the news!
Sincerely, Tatyana Sukhikh! Till tomorrow!
By the way, I recommend reading:
