1. There are 120 verses in Luke chapters 1&2, which tell the story of Jesus’ birth. This month, try reading 4 verses a day to get yourself into the mindset of what this season is really all about.

2. Does your town have any special Christmas events going on? Why not get a group of friends and family together to enjoy a wintry outing?
For events in Stockton, check out: www.stocktonsparkles.com
For events in Middlesbrough, check out: www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/ccm/content/whats-on/whats-on/whats-on-middlesbrough-winter-festival.en
Get online and see what’s happening in your town!

3. Do you have winter clothes that you’re tired of wearing? Give them a makeover! www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Whole-New-Wardrobe-by-Recycling-Your-Clothes has some great ideas. You could add paint, beads, extra fabric, trim, take off sleeves, shorten it, slash it for peek-a-boo effect with fabric underneath, iron on a transfer that you printed from your computer, or dye it a different color. There are loads of things you could do to give things you’re tired of a whole new look! (Make sure to check with your parents though!)

4. Do a bit of recycling this month! Try collecting interesting pages of magazines or newspaper and use them to wrap Christmas presents with. Each present will look unique and you’ll save some trees and pennies!

5. To me, a big part of the Christmas season is baking. I love making Christmas goodies with my mum and my sister. How about trying out a Christmas recipe yourself? You could make cookies, truffles, mince pies, or fairy cakes. www.joyofbaking.com/ChristmasBaking.html has a ton of great ideas.

6. Make/write your neighbours a Christmas card. This time of year can be lonely for many people who perhaps don’t have family or can’t travel to see them. You could do a small act of kindness that could really brighten someone’s day.

7. Do you have a favourite Christmas film? Host a movie night! You could serve popcorn or penny sweets and pretend that the cinema has come to your front room… except with comfier seats!

8. I love Christmas crackers! Did you know that it’s pretty easy to make your own? That way you could put in your own jokes, sweets, photos, toys, whatever you want! www.oldenglishcrackers.com/make-your-own-crackers.htm has step-by-step instructions.

9. We’ve all got those things that we keep meaning to do but never quite get to… How about using all the time off from school that you’re getting to cross some of those things off of the list? You’ll feel great having gotten things done!

10. Have you been tuning in on Tuesday nights from 8-9? That’s right, girls, G:em has our own radio show on 107.1 Crossrhythms Teesside! It’s an hour packed with features like what we’re loving, the chick flicks challenge, and the inspiring woman of the week. Plus each week you get a great bunch of G:em girlies talking about things like how to share our faith with friends and finding out God’s plan for our lives. Can’t tune in on the night? There is a podcast on the G:em website so you’ll never have to go without!

11. The whole reason for Christmas is that God loves us so very much. He sent Jesus as a tiny baby to grow up to be our Saviour. Do you know how much God loves you? Do you know that you have been forgiven? This month, as life gets particularly busy, remember to thank God for the most precious gift we will ever receive.