Children's Ministry Action Steps: Bringing Home A Loved Tradition

Every year for 27 years, as Advent approaches, my husband and I begin preparations for all the events of the church we serve. But the most highly anticipated and cherished tradition is the Annual Christmas Story Pajama Party, AKA "The Grinch Party". It is a gathering, in our home, for the children of the church. We wouldn't miss it!

I want to state for the record that I have loved Ted Geisel's book about the Grinch long before it was cool to do so. I'm just sayin. I love redemption stories, and when Dr. Seuss writes one, it is a double win. I love me some rhythmic rhymes.

When we wanted to create an event to welcome the parish children into our home, we immediately knew that we would use the classic story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Seuss, Dr. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. Random House, 1957) as our theme.

"Wouldn't it be fun," we thought, "if everyone came in costume?" The children could dress as Whos from Whoville, Rick would dress as the Grinch, and I could be Max, the Grinch's very patient sidekick. It seemed like a great idea! We were wrong.

At the first Grinch party, we learned that most people are intimidated by the word "costume," especially if they are expected to create one. So the people who came were all in regular clothes, while we sat in cobbled-together outfits that looked neither Grinchy nor Maxy. In fact, no one could tell who we were supposed to be. We immediately began to rethink the costume idea.

Thank goodness for great stories and refreshments. Each year, beginning with Christmas of 1999, we are on the floor around our Christmas tree on a Saturday morning in early December, reading Christmas stories. We always start with a beautifully illustrated version of the Christmas story. The pictures are realistic and lovely, and the text is taken from Luke chapter two. It gives us an excellent opportunity to invite the children to tell us the story of Jesus' birth. We listen as the children repeat the sequence of events with clarity and sincerity. This is truly the highlight. I still use the same book I always had. Of course we also read the classic book by Dr. Seuss and some other Christmas stories.

As the years flew by, we made many adjustments. The fan-favorite was made about 10 years ago. I found a beverage dispenser shaped a lot like the Grinch's face, and each year I paint the Grinch's face on it. We then fill it with Grinch-green punch. It's a mixture of green punch with a touch of ginger ale. Put a Santa hat on top, and it looks just like the Grinch!

We added decorations over time, and costumes were quickly replaced with pajamas. Several years ago, there was a surge in appreciation for all things Grinchy, and we collected some fun decorations and accessories.

But the absolute joy is in the tradition of welcoming children into the pastor's home. Just as children get very excited when they see their teacher in the grocery store, they are thrilled to see their pastor in a different setting. Not only do the children get to go to a Christmas party designed just for them, but it is at their pastor's house, AND they get to wear pajamas! This is unbelievably fun if you are 3 to 10 years old. Grownups like it too.

Another great joy we have had for a few years is that a second generation of Grinch Party participants has begun. One of the first children to attend is now a mother with children of her own. She, her husband, and the two children come every year in complete Grinch regalia to celebrate the season. It is the only time we see this family, and they drive an hour to attend. We feel so honored to see the children grow. Traditions matter.

We love the children of each church we have served. They have been welcome in our home and in our hearts. We enjoy this party at least as much as the children and their parents. It brings continuity, fun, and a reminder that Christmas never comes from a store.

Each generation needs to hear the truth about Jesus: that His birth was real and that all we know about Him is true. He was born in a real place to real people at a real time. He was born to save us from our sin. Children need to know this, and it is wonderful when they hear it from their own pastor, when everyone is wearing pajamas!

We're always a little sad when the time comes to pack away the Grinch decor. But we are blessed that, once again, we had an opportunity to share Jesus with the children and their parents, and to express how grateful we are to be part of their young lives.

What are your traditions that focus on the children of your church? What do you love about them? Are they at Christmas or another time of year? Tell me about them in the comments.

Merry Christmas,

Teresa