UPDATE: This workbook has been complete remodeled and updated! See the updated Christmas Activity Workbook here.
Our kiddos know the Christmas story backward and forward. They hear it at home, church, and in books. In the past few years, we’ve done the basic Christmas activities and advent calendars. They can tell about Mary and Joseph. They can explain that Jesus was born in a manger. They can even announce who visited the new family.
As I am growing in my understanding of who Jesus is, I realize that it isn’t enough to be able to regurgitate the Christmas story. Or any story from the Bible. I don’t want our children to simply know the facts.
I want them to know the Savior.
So in pondering what to do the month of December to help them understand a little more about the King who came as a baby, I came up with an unconventional idea. I took what my kids love – Legos – and combined it with who I desire them to fall in love with – Jesus. And in a way only the Holy Spirit could bring it together, I present the Lego Christmas Activity.
Objective:
To daily focus on a characteristic of Jesus so that our children better understand who Jesus is and how He desires to be a personal Savior to each one of us. Second, for our children to understand how remarkable it is that Jesus chose to come as a baby to save us. Last, to create traditions that draw our family together. And most importantly, the goal of every activity is to “impress” Christ on our children (Deuteronomy 6:7).
Supplies:
1. I used the Duplo Legos to create our tree. You could easily use blocks or different sized Legos. The Christmas tree gives a visual picture of the characteristics of Jesus and also serves as a countdown to Christmas day. (Scroll down to see more ideas)
2. The ABC Jesus Loves Me Lego Christmas Activity Workbook will explain exactly what to do each day beginning on December 1st. The activity will include adding a Lego to create a Christmas tree. You will also discuss the character of Jesus, read the scripture, and do an activity together. These activities range from coloring a worksheet to singing a Christmas song, baking goodies to playing a game. All worksheets and ideas are explained in this printable. The activity pack is available for free to all who subscribe to this blog. You can find the link to the workbook at the bottom of the blog’s emails or RSS feed.
3. Dry Erase Marker to write on the Legos. Or use permanent markers to build the tree for many years to come.
4. Supplies to do the daily activities. The workbook will explain what is needed for each activity. Fill free to supplement with items already available in your home.
Daily Activities:
As stated, each day includes a characteristic of Jesus, Scripture reading, and activity.
Here are a few examples.
Day 1 – Jesus is Immanuel
Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23
The Old Testament foretold 600 years prior to Jesus’ birth that He would be born. Showing the fulfillment of Scripture, the verse is repeated in Matthew 1. Immanuel means “God with us.”
Activity: Begin the “”Happy Birthday, Jesus” Book by coloring the cover. Explain to the child that he or she will be creating a book about Jesus this month. (Found on page 19 of the workbook) Choose the first Lego for the Christmas tree. Write the name “Immanuel” on it with a dry erase marker.
Day 15 – Jesus is Light
Scripture: John 8:12, John 12:46
We don’t have to walk through this life blindly for Jesus will light our way.
Activity: Put on pajamas, warm up some hot cocoa, and drive around looking at Christmas lights. Discuss how light can be seen from a long distance away and how it illuminates all around it.
Day 18 – Jesus is Patient
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:9
Jesus is patient with us, even when we make the same mistake over and over.
Activity: Play a game as a family and discuss patience on waiting your turn. One possible game is the Nativity Memory Game. Purchase or use a nativity set with individual pieces. Place the pieces on a table and have the children close her eyes. Remove one of the pieces and have the child figure out which piece is missing. After the missing piece is discovered, talk about its significance in the Nativity. For instance, if you take away a shepherd, explain to the child how an angel appeared to the shepherds in the field to tell of Jesus’ birth. (Reprinted by Permission)
And the list goes on. Twenty-five characteristics of Jesus, scripture readings, and activities along with all of the worksheets are included in the free printable workbook. Each idea can easily be exchanged for another one that better suits your family and traditions. As the age of your children increases, so can the depth of activities and discussion.
The key verse for our blog is Deuteronomy 6:7, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” I can only pray that you can use the Lego Christmas Activity to further impress that Christmas is about a gift. The personal gift of Jesus and the eternal life He offers.
How can I get a copy of the ABCJLM Christmas Unit Study?
- Subscribe to this blog to receive the link for the free Christmas Unit Study.
- Already a Subscriber – Scroll down in your email or RSS feed for the link to the free printables.
- Non-subscribers – Purchase under the Unit Study category.
- Church or Preschool Users – Licenses can be purchased on the ABCJLM website.
Ideas from Others:
1. Jamie shared the idea of using felt instead of Legos to create the Christmas tree. Ribbon created boxes and individual felt pieces made the blocks. Thanks for sharing, Jamie!
2. Are you overwhelmed with 25 daily Advent activities? Gennah simplified the Lego Christmas Activity to be done twice a week instead of daily. She shares, “This is how I am doing the Lego activity. 8 “layers”, covering a new one every Sunday and Wednesday night, with a few days of activities and discussion in between. I used clear tape around each layer and wrote with a paint marker. [Simplifying allows for] more review.” …and less stress!
This would also be perfect for those who meant to begin but time has gotten away or from a church group. Simple choose any 8 characteristics of Christ to cover.
5. Combine the Christmas tree with the characteristics of Jesus. Make out of felt or paper. Click to print a Christmas tree. Thank you to Lindsey for sharing this.
6. Melissa made this beautiful wooden tree with reversible blocks.
Casey Butler says
Forget dry erase! We are using permanent and I'm gonna sew a small bag to store this in! I think we will add this instead of an advent calendar 🙂 I've been trying to think of ANYTHING that would focus on God's character through to it Christmas and not just on the commercial or even the baby Jesus scene. I believe its super important to understand WHY Jesus came…this totally helps teach toddlers in an understanble way…plus…who doesn't love blocks and Christmas trees?! Thank you!
ABCJLM says
Love this! Thank you for sharing your excitement. I hope to make this activity part of our Christmas for many years to come.
Anonymous says
My son has learned a lot from your 2 year old curriculum & has had fun too! I was wondering if you have suggestions for advent activities for toddler age.
ABCJLM says
While a lot of the Scripture will be above a 2 year old's understanding, a lot of the Lego Activities can be done by a toddler. Instead of dwelling on the meaning, just introduce the child to the characteristics. Talk about them throughout the day. If anything is too difficult, fill free to substitute it for another idea. The ABCJLM website has a plethora of ideas to choose from.
Anonymous says
I love this! Thanks, Heidi!
Cherissa Roebuck
ABCJLM says
Thanks Cherissa!
Patrice says
I deleted the e-mail from Monday and didn't get one today. Will you be sending another message this week with the link? I would love to do this with my preschool kids.
ABCJLM says
If you have subscribed, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday you will receive a blog post to your email or RSS feed. Each one will contain the link at the bottom of the feed.
Nettie says
awesome thank you!
Anonymous says
Jo R: We use your curriculum in our church daycare/preschool. This will be a cool way to involve all of my class. They loved searching for the scroll in the lesson about King Josiah, so I might hide the Lego for them to find first thing each morning. B-U-T since we are not there 7 days a week, I have to think it through how I can make it work. LOVE the idea.
ABCJLM says
You could do two words a day, maybe! Have fun!
Peter Forrest says
Love this!! Please email me a li to the workbook :)) mrs.forrest@hotmail.com
ABCJLM says
The link is in the blog email or RSS feeds. You can find it at the bottom. Look for a blue arrow. 🙂
Unknown says
I just received the email about this and love the idea, but there isn't a link to download the workbook in my email. Did I just overlook it?
ABCJLM says
Sorry for the confusion. The link is included in blog subscriptions only. http://forms.feedblitz.com/266 The next blog post on Tuesday will contain the link. 🙂
Rebecca says
Can't wait to do this with my son this Advent Season!
ABCJLM says
Be sure to share with us on Facebook what you make!
Rebecca says
Hi Heidi, where do I find the link now?
ABCJLM says
The link is included in blog subscriptions only. http://forms.feedblitz.com/268 The next blog post on Tuesday will contain the link. 🙂
More info: https://ouroutofsynclife.com/2014/08/how-do-i-subscribe-and-read-ebook.html
Nettie says
Hi Heidi I got this email opened it and of course I can not find it anymore..is there a way I can download the activity book?
Heidi says
The link is available to all blog subscribers from mid November to December. Just check your email or RSS feed. 🙂
Susan says
Thanks so much for this post! It was an answer to my prayer. I was feeling so overwhelmed trying to do everything I thought I “should ” do for homeschool, our family time and my kids group at church. I needed to remember that most times simplicity is the best option!
Heidi says
To God be the glory! Love His timing.