A Shepherd’s Dinner is a fun family activity that the youngest (and oldest) family members can enjoy.

The night Jesus was born, the shepherds “watched their flocks at night” (Luke 2:8) You and your family are about to become some of those shepherds.

If possible, have your shepherd’s dinner outside around a campfire or outdoor fireplace. Then you can look at the stars and wonder which one might have guided the wise men. If you can’t have your dinner outside, spread a blanket on the floor and have an indoor picnic. Stick a few stars (one bigger than the rest) on the ceiling for added effect, or lay on your backs on the floor and close your eyes to picture a starry night sky. Imagine what it would have been like to be watching your sheep like usual and suddenly see the sky light up with angels. 

Engage your child’s imagination by asking them questions, such as:
How would you have felt when you saw the angels in the sky?
What do you think that looked like? or Finish this sentence: A sky full of angels would be as bright as _________________.
What would you have done when you saw the angels and heard what they said?
How do you think the sheep reacted?
Do you think you would like being a shepherd? Why or why not?
What would be your favorite part of being a shepherd? Least favorite?

Make your shepherd’s dinner a fun event. Let the kids help prepare the food. Keep your menu simple, like they would have had in Bible times.

Sample menu:
Cheese and crackers
Bread and jam, honey, or hummus
Olives
Fresh or dried fruit
Nuts or seeds
Beef jerky or cooked meat

Read the Christmas story from either your Bible (Luke 2:1-20) or a children’s picture book. A couple of my favorites are: “The Christmas Story” by Jane Werner Watson and “Room for Little One” by Martin Waddell. Talk about that miraculous night of Jesus’ birth, but don’t drag it out longer than the kids can listen. Keep it fun and allow for silliness. After all, you want your shepherd’s dinner to be a tradition they look forward to year after year.

I pray you enjoy your shepherd’s dinner. Fine-tune it as needed to work for your family. Most of all, remember the Savior, the greatest gift of the season.

Merry Christmas!

Linda