Christmas may feel different this year for many church members, staff, and families within your ministry.  A divisive political election season recently ended, and the aftermath of record-breaking hurricane activity associated with Beryl, Helene, and Milton has left many feeling a bit battered and bruised. Nevertheless, countless opportunities exist to share joy, hope, and love in your local community. By creatively embracing the spirit of the season, your church can make a meaningful impact and lift the spirits of those who need it most.

After recently connecting with some of our wonderful church partners and asking how they are approaching the coming Christmas season, we are pleased to share eight unique and heartfelt ways that they are spreading Christmas cheer and engaging with their communities.  Hopefully, their examples can spark some ideas about how you might create warmth and meaningful connections in your community during this special season.

1. Host a Christmas Lights Walkthrough

First Baptist Boerne is creating a spectacular, festive Christmas experience with over 500,000 dazzling Christmas lights synchronized to beloved holiday music. This enchanting, free walkthrough event is perfect for the entire family. Your church could host a similar event by decorating the church grounds or a nearby park with Christmas lights and festive displays. Serve hot cocoa or cider, play holiday music, and invite local families to enjoy a free, joyful experience celebrating the season.

2. Christmas Caroling

First Baptist Church Broken Arrow is hosting a festive evening of joy, lights, and the Christmas spirit at Christmas on the Hill. They are providing inflatables for the kids, yard games, and delicious treats from food trucks. Attendees can hop on a hayride and listen to Christmas carolers spreading holiday cheer throughout the night. Other churches could host a similar event by organizing fun, family-friendly activities like games, caroling, and food trucks. Decorate your church grounds with festive lights and invite the community to celebrate in a joyful, welcoming atmosphere.

3. Host a Living Nativity Scene

Tallowood Baptist Church is hosting its annual Celebrate Jesus event, featuring a Live Nativity and exciting Christmas experiences from around the world, including camel, donkey, and pony rides, a petting zoo, crafts, and games. Your church could also create a live nativity scene with volunteers dressed as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and wise men. Offer multiple showtimes throughout the evening, complete with music and narration, and provide a space where attendees can engage with and learn more about the Christmas story.

4. Organize a Ginger Bread Decorating Party

Our friends at Second Baptist Church are celebrating Christmas with a Daddy-Daughter Gingerbread Party, where girls and their dads or father figures kick off the holiday season by decorating gingerbread houses together. Your ministry could create a similar family-friendly event by hosting gingerbread decorating sessions for children of all ages and inviting parents, grandparents, or guardians to join in. Consider adding stations for hot cocoa, Christmas music, and holiday crafts to make it even more festive. Provide a welcoming, cozy atmosphere and encourage families to sign up in advance for an organized and enjoyable experience.

5. Craft a Christmas Tree

Even though it is usually warm in Florida, Crosswater Community Church is embracing the season by gathering old Christmas ornaments to create charming tabletop trees. Your church could set up a Christmas tree where people can write down wishes, needs, or prayer requests on tags to hang on the branches. Encourage members to take a tag or two to pray over or even help fulfill specific needs, spreading joy throughout the community. Invite everyone to bring ornaments, enjoy coffee and sweet treats, and join the Christmas crafting fun!

6. Community Christmas Dinner or Brunch

Fellowship Bible Church is spreading joy this season with its annual Women’s Christmas Brunch, celebrating the joy that Jesus brings to the world today. The event includes worship, encouragement from God’s Word, heartfelt fellowship, and a delicious meal. Your church could host a similar gathering by organizing a warm, festive meal for those in need or inviting community members who may not have family nearby. Add a welcoming touch with Christmas carols, fun games for children, and plenty of fellowship opportunities, creating a joyful atmosphere for all who attend.

7. Support a Child for Christmas

Parkway Hills has launched its Operation Christmas Child mission to show God’s love tangibly to children in need worldwide. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse collaborates with local churches worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Your ministry could partner with a local charity or social service to support families in need during the holidays. Provide gifts, meals, or holiday essentials, and invite church members to serve in small groups or individually, spreading love and care to those in the community.

8. Christmas Story Walk

Kingsland Baptist Church is hosting a special event featuring snow sled hills, hot dogs, s’mores, a family photo booth, carnival games, and a walkthrough Christmas Storybook Adventure. Your church could create a similar experience by setting up large posters with illustrations and scenes from the Christmas story along a pathway, indoors or outdoors, for families to enjoy together. Conclude the journey with a cozy gathering space where families can share treats and connect with others in the community.

Other ideas include hosting a free gift-wrapping day for the community or presenting a family Christmas movie night, inviting families to bring blankets and enjoy a cozy evening together. You could even pair the event with a short message or story to share the true meaning of Christmas.

There are countless creative ways to connect with your community this season. Whether you have a small team or a large group of volunteers, every effort to share the love of Christ during the holidays makes a lasting impact. Spread the joy, and let your church be a beacon of warmth and welcome this Christmas.