Epiphany Party Activities, Crafts, Games

Epiphany isn't technically part of Advent. It's a high point of the Christmas Octave--the eight days following Christmas. It's also the culmintation of the 12 days of Christmas, called Twelfth Night in many cultures. Epiphany commemorates the visit of the wisemen to the manger in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The holiday is the major gift-giving occasion, more than Christmas, in some countries. It's also called Three Kings' Day, in honor of the Magi's visit. Here's an epiphany party planner with games, crafts, lesson plans, recipes and Bible activities. Read more

Ways parents can develop awareness of poverty, teach generosity

If I had a buck for every time I heard someone say "kids today are so insensitive and selfish," I'd be rich. If kids lack sensitivity, it's because we parents have failed to teach empathy. Kids need to learn empathy, especially with those in need. Disparity between "have" and "have not" are greatest during the holidays. Lavish feasts rub shoulders with hunger; excessive gift-giving coincides with poverty; kids' Christmas "gimmes" coexist with homelessness and despair. Here are ways to develop awareness of world poverty and teach generosity at Christmas.  read more

Free Printable Christmas Bible Story Coloring Pages for Advent

Psst--I've got a secret! Jesus is coming soon! Dec. 2, 2012 began the Catholic church new year and Advent. Yes, I know, Jesus was born some 2K years ago. But we Catholics and Orthodox Christians (and many other protestant Christian denominations) relive that most blessed event annually. We commemorate the birthday with a special season called Advent (that means "beginning" or "coming."). We believe that we need to open our hearts to Jesus and let him be born again there. We celebrate with generosity and good deeds. We practice virtues of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We look for Jesus in everyone we meet. We live out Our Lord's command to "love one another as I have love you." To help kids get closer to Jesus and his Holy Family, here are free Christian Christmas printables. Use these to count down to the feast of Christmas. Let kids follow the penitential season advent and the Octave of Christmas and epiphany by coloring one page each night.