Christians aren’t immune to some of the less-enjoyable hallmarks of the holiday seasonlike hectic schedules, sky-high gift prices, and congested stores, highways and airports.
However, many people find solace in hitting the pause button and taking time to read and reflect on the most meaningful Christmas story ever written: the telling of that starlit, silent night when Jesus entered the world. It’s hard not to be overcome with wonder and awe when we contemplate the gift of God’s Son and His promise to restore all of Creation.
Looking past the pressures and commercialization of the season, there are plenty of reasons to be joyful and to spread goodwill to those around us, particularly for youth leaders seeking to help kids and teens embrace the spirit of compassion and giving.
Here are just a few ideas for Christmas service projects for kids’ ministries or youth groups.
Bring cheer to chained dogs and animals in shelters. Animal shelters are often glad to accept fun items for cats, dogs, and small animals to enjoy while they wait to be adopted. Connect with your local shelter, or participate in PETA’s Christmutts Toy Drive. Many organizations also need doghouses, dry straw, food, water bowls, blankets, and other necessities, so your group can decide how they’d like to help.
Take kids shopping for a child in need. If your Sunday School class has unused fundraiser dollars at the end of the year, ask students if they’d like to sponsor a child from an Angel Tree or a similar program and hit the stores together to make their Christmas wishes come true.
Feed hungry souls at your local community kitchen. Soup kitchens are often happy to allow children and teens to serve plates, refill drinks, and help with cleanup. Classes can also support a local food pantry by filling a donation box with healthy, vegan staples, such as dried beans and lentils, canned vegetables, rice, pasta, and oatmeal, as well as cruelty-free personal care products.
Deliver supplies to an animal sanctuary and spend time with the residents. At accredited sanctuaries, animals rescued from miserable circumstances can live freely in spacious surroundings and choose when to visit with humans. Check out your local refuge’s wish list to help them meet the animals’ needs. Going in armed with crunchy carrots, sweet apples, and other accepted treats can help win the residents’ approval. Check out PETA’s guide on how to tell a legitimate sanctuary from a roadside zoo or other exploitive exhibit.
Give wildlife a helping hand. Have kids discuss ways to care for God’s Creation when resources are harder for wildlife to find, including by setting out bowls of water, breaking up ice on ponds, picking up litter, and using humane methods to escort accidental guests back outside.
For more ways to demonstrate Christlike love and compassion at Christmastime and throughout the year, download PETA LAMBS’ free Creation Care Toolkit.
