December: "Endurance" w/ Little Ones
Our “Endurance” Jesus Celebration 🎉
We use these parties as a compliment to our family scripture reading.
The activities are multi-sensory and heart-centered for fun ways to learn important truths.
1. Reflection Questions — Storytelling Magic
We shared some experiences with Christ to help our kids understand what a covenant relationship with Christ can feel like.
For parents: Share a story of when you chose to stay on the covenant path or keep a covenant and what specific emotions you experienced when Jesus helped you do it.
For kids: Share when Jesus helped you do something right, even when it was challenging. How did it feel?
2. Book Recommendation — Heartfelt Learning
Brave Irene by William Steig is a perfect example of a child literally enduring to the end because of her love for her family and others. The story is told in a natural, suspenseful, and heartfelt way with delightful details. The joy of bringing happiness to a friend and mother and being reunited again reflects the great reward we can have.
When Irene faces obstacles, I asked my child how she thought Irene felt. I mentioned that we are never really alone, that Jesus and angels are always there to help us.
This is a longer story, so my 2 year old played with My Covenant Path w/ Jesus while I read this to my 5 year old.
3. Create & Taste—Dinner Interactive Activity
What We Used:
Small picture of Jesus on a tooth pick per child
A non-filling food to make a path
A warm, sweet drink, such warmed cinnamon vanilla milk
Small tortillas
Refried beans
Shredded cheese
Variety of toppings: chili beans, meat, corn, avocado, salsa, sliced olives, sour cream, etc
I placed the "covenant path” food in a small strip on the plate with the Jesus toothpick on one end and the cup of warm drink at the end. I placed the tortillas and all toppings on the table.
I said “Lets endure to the end on the covenant path by eating this path of food", and gave my daughter a toothpick with Jesus to hold as she went, saying “He is with you every step!”
As she finished, I said, “Did that take some time and focus to do? Well, you did it with Jesus, and now you’re in heaven with Heavenly Parents and Jesus. It feels warm and full of love like this drink!”
“And now, since you kept your covenants, you get to be with your family forever. Let’s make something beautiful, like our Heavenly Parents do.
What do you want to put on your place (tortilla)—plants? Animals? People?”
4. Set the Mood—Themed Banner
For added color and ambiance, I made this a colorful banner, with a tag for the month's theme. "With Jesus, I can endure." You can receive them free in my monthly e-letters by signing up below.
I hope these ideas are fun for your family! Merry Christmas from a fellow guide to tiny wonders.