For both students and teachers, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in the busyness of Christmas that we accidentally overlook those around us. Here are a few suggestions to help students of all grade levels focus on others and spread some Christ-centered Christmas cheer:

Twelve Days of Christmas Cards

For twelve days leading up to Christmas break, have your students pick a different teacher, administrator, or staff person to send Christmas cards to each day. Students can bring in their own, or you could purchase an inexpensive pack of blank cards for students to decorate. Your school staff will appreciate the encouragement, whether it comes in the form of a cute Christmas drawing from a kindergartener or a thoughtful thank you from a high schooler.

Reindeer of Cheer

You’ve likely heard of Elf on the Shelf, but you can start a new tradition with your students called Reindeer of Cheer. A stuffed reindeer (or Christmas ornament) will become the messenger that secretly delivers Christmas goodies from your class to others around the school. Your Reindeer of Cheer could transport Christmas cards and candies from the second graders to the school nurse. Or it can deliver a bucket of candy canes from a ninth-grade class to a third-grade class, with this poem that shows how the candy cane points to Jesus. You can either collect your reindeer after the drop-off, or you can get other teachers involved and keep the reindeer going all around the school.

Note: If reindeer aren’t your thing, you could make a little snowman your messenger, sending your gifts with Snow-on-the-Go.

Classroom Caroling

Let’s face it: both focus and motivation take a nosedive during the week before Christmas break. One way to sprinkle in some fun variety is to take your class out caroling. With your administrator’s approval, you could set aside a few minutes a day to go and sing to different classes or staff members around your school. Perhaps on Monday, the first and second graders could go caroling down the high school hall. On Tuesday, the third and fourth graders could serenade the front office with a rendition of Silent Night. On Wednesday, the fifth graders could sing to dining workers in the lunchroom. And the list goes on! The more classes that get involved, the more fun it will be. Bonus points if your carolers bring cookies or candy to their different locations.

Reverse Grinch

This is another idea that will require approval from your administrator. But if you get the go-ahead, it can be a lot of fun! Unlike the Grinch who sneaked in and stole Christmas, your students will have the opportunity to sneak out and bring Christmas to different sections of your school! If you get multiple classes involved, each group will have a different location assigned to them. At one point during the day (or in little breaks throughout the day), you and your students can stealthily deck the halls (or principal’s office, or cafeteria, or library) with colorful Christmas décor. The goal is to do it all without getting caught!

If you need some ornament ideas, check out the affordable handmade ornaments in this post. They also make excellent gifts for younger students.

Season’s Scribes

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but not everyone has the chance to celebrate with their loved ones. One great way to help your students focus on others is to have them send Christmas cards to soldiers overseas, shut-ins, residents in assisted living homes, or children in group homes. You could also make Christmas gift baskets to deliver to the police station, fire station, or hospital for first responders who are working through the holiday. Taking time to write these notes will encourage your students to think of others and to share the hope of Christmas with those who might not yet know Jesus.

We hope that this list gives you some inspiration for how you can show Christ’s light to your school and to your community during this special season. Merry Christmas!