Like it or not, the holidays are upon us. While we love all that we celebrate at this time of year (God's abundant blessings and the birth of our Savior), some parts of our holiday celebrations seem to sneak up on us, don't they?

For example, many here in the Chicago area take advantage of the relatively mild November weather to put up their Christmas lights, even though they don't turn the lights on until later. This makes perfectly logical sense, and is certainly preferable to frostbitten fingers later, but something about seeing people hanging lights while others are raking leaves can feel rushed!!

No doubt, the holidays are upon us ... and most Awana leaders are looking for fun, but simple, ideas for December club meetings. We ventured into the Awana Ideas archives to republish some great December theme ideas as well as ways to reach out to children and their families at Christmas. Plus, we've included ideas on bringing kids back after your holiday break.

Thank you for your ministry to children! Sadly, some of the kids in your club will have difficult holidays due to family struggles, financial challenges, etc. Your smiles and kind words can mean so much. (And, if you're the gift-giving type, don't forget that the Awana Store includes great gift items for every Awana kid!)

We wish you holiday celebrations that, like the ideas in this issue, are meaningful and yet ... simple.

Until January,
The Awana Ideas Team

December 1-7 is Cookie Cutter Week — Clubbers bring cookie cutters to make cookies for shut-ins or church socials.

December 3 is Make a Gift Day — When all else fails, make bookmarks.

On December 6, 1877, Thomas Edison played the first record, a recording of himself reciting “Mary Had a Little Lamb” — a fun fact to know and tell.

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii — Teach clubbers about the freedoms we enjoy and those who sacrificed so we can have them.

December 14-20 is Tell Someone They’re Doing a Good Job Week — (bad grammar aside) This is a great time to thank leaders for their ministry.

On December 14, 1911, Roald Amundsen and his men became the first to reach the South Pole — Run an obstacle course race to the south side of the church property.

On December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights became part of the U.S. Constitution — This is another great time to teach about the freedoms we enjoy.

On December 17, 1843, Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol — Present the gospel with your own versions of Christmas past, Christmas present and Christmas yet to come.

On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first airplane flight — Everyone makes paper airplanes. Award prizes for farthest flight, best design and precision landings.

On December 21, 1620, the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock — Talk about what they were willing to endure to practice their faith.

December 22 is the first day of winter — Crumple newspaper into balls, divide the room in half and the clubbers into two teams. Clubbers throw the “snowballs” into the other team’s area. Blow the whistle and see which team loses because they have more “snow.”

Have you seen the brand-new T&T Christmas Cards? These colorful greetings feature original artwork from clubbers across the country, plus the message of truth in each card. You can purchase them for yourself or for your church.

Check out these easy-to-plan Christmas outreach ideas submitted by Awana leaders! If you’ve got your own plans, we’d love to hear them.

Most churches take two weeks off during the Christmas–New Year’s season. That’s 20 days between club meetings. You want your clubbers to return in January. Here are some clever ways to get them back.