Middle School Activities for Christmas

Each December as Christmas approaches, excitement for the impending holiday grows. Activities with the holiday theme provide middle school kids with an outlet for all of the excitement. A selection of activities that focus on different aspects of Christmas, including charity toward others, instills a better understanding of the true meaning of the holiday. When planning holiday activities with kids, be aware of the fact that some families do not celebrate Christmas. Adapting the activities to fit a more general winter theme or offering alternative options accommodates these students.

Adopt A Family

A community service project provides an educational Christmas activity for middle school students. Adopting a family for Christmas allows the middle school kids to plan a charity project from beginning to end. A local charitable organization or church may be able to help identify a family in need for the project. The students should determine how to raise money for the project, as well as how that money will be used to help the family. Traditionally, food for a Christmas meal and presents for the family members are given to the adopted family.

Caroling

Caroling remains a classic activity for Christmastime. The activity works in a variety of settings, depending on the resources and schedule of the kids. In a school setting, the kids can walk around the building, stopping at each classroom to sing a Christmas carol. An option for youth groups is to carol around the community, stopping at homes and businesses along the way. A nursing home or children's hospital may offer an alternative for sharing the Christmas spirit through caroling. Santa hats and reindeer antlers add a festive touch to the carolers during the activity.

Decorating Contest

A Christmas decorating contest creates a festive tone to the building while encouraging teamwork among the kids. Decorating doors in the building provides an equal playing field for the contest. Small groups of students are assigned a door in the building, which could include doors to classrooms, offices or the lunchroom. Each group designs and decorates a door with a Christmas theme. An impartial judge assesses each door on set criteria to determine a winner. The judging aspect can be omitted to avoid hurt feelings or an overly competitive atmosphere.

Cookies

Another option is baking. If a kitchen is available, involve the students from the beginning of the process. Following the cookie recipe, whether using sugar cookies or gingerbread, adds an educational element to the activity. The kids get the chance to learn the entire cookie baking process. After the cookies are baked, the kids can decorate them with icing and candies. If no kitchen is available, provide cookies for decoration that are already baked.

Homemade Gifts

An art project that allows the kids to make gifts for family and friends emphasizes the meaning behind presents. Providing three or four projects for the students to choose allows them to find a gift option that fits the personality of the recipient. A different station for each craft project provides the students more space to spread out and complete the project. Ideas for craft projects that work as gifts include picture frames, collages and homemade ornaments. Homemade wrapping paper, made by painting on plain craft paper, gives the gifts a personalized packaging option.

References

• Education World