The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” Luke 22:39 cev

Christmas is a great time to show love to neighbors. Make plans now of activities that are doable. I have always made Christmas bread I shape into candy canes, trees, and hearts for the people on my street. I’ve had neighbors send over cookies, mail cards with their family photo, or to stop by and invite me to go caroling. I’ve also lived where the neighborhood held a party. Whatever you do, use the time to be kind and pray for those around you. Sharing joy at Christmas inspires good will and peace.

As a family consider a few ways to express joy

• Make extra cookies or candies to give a small plate of them to a neighbor with a Christmas card.
• Make cards and pass them out.
• Pass out candy canes with the candy cane legend
• Do a good deed for a neighbor.
• Plan a time for caroling. Print words to favorite songs or create a playlist of words singers can access on their phones.
• Read about nearby shepherds who came to see Jesus. Chat about how they were also neighbors.
• Be a secret angel and leave a gift card to a needy neighbor to use for gas, groceries, or toys.
• Read about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 and chat about neighbors. 
• Make dog treats for pets on your street.
• Express joy to neighbors who display reminders of the reason for Christmas, such as candy cane decorations that are shepherd’s staffs, lights to rejoice at Jesus, the light of the world, or outdoor nativity sets.

Let your children pass out activities for others, such as this tree code.

Secret tree code

Replace each letter with the letter that precedes it in the alphabet to find a message about neighbors. Look up Romans 15:2 to check your answer.

Or help children make paper angels. Here’s a link to the pattern and directions. IT’s from my new craft book that has 100+ paper crafts to make and share.

Thanks for reading this block.

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Have a Blessed Holiday Season, Karen Whiting