Teaching kids the true meaning of Christmas: Christmas Symbol Scavenger Hunt
Discover the meaning of Christmas with a Symbol Scavenger Hunt for kids! Uncover the hidden meaning behind festive symbols like the Christmas tree, star, and more through a fun-filled adventure.
If you ask most kids, they’ll tell you that the best part about Christmas is…PRESENTS! And who can blame them? Everyone loves to open up a surprise and find something wonderful and new inside.
Christmas is filled with all sorts of “fun” traditions. There are presents, gingerbread houses, Santa, and jingle bells. These parts of Christmas are wonderful. Still, I want to make sure that my children understand that Christmas is more than just twinkling lights and presents under the tree. It’s a celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, filled with beautiful symbols that tell an amazing story of love and hope.
If you’d like to add a little more meaning to your Christmas, introduce your kids to the symbols of Christmas with this fun-filled activity! It would make a great Sunday activity during the Christmas season (I’m planning to use it on Christmas Eve this year).
To make it super easy on you, I created a free printable scavenger hunt that includes a master sheet with all the symbols, and individual symbol cards for you to hide. Click the button below to download them!
Let’s go on a Christmas Symbol Scavenger Hunt!
Christmas Symbol Scavenger Hunt
Preparation:
- Print and cut out the scavenger hunt cards.
- Hide the symbol cards around a defined area in your house.
Now you’re ready to play!
How to Play:
- Before you start: Gather the kids and explain the game. Give them the master symbol sheet so they know what they’re looking for.
- Go hunting: Set the children loose on their scavenger hunt! Encourage them to work together, finding and collecting the cards as they discover each symbol.
- Learn along the way: As they find each card, take a moment to read the description together. Discuss what that symbol teaches us about Christmas.
- Celebrating the end: Once all the cards are found, gather together and chat about their favorite symbols and what they learned. Hopefully, they have new insights into the meaning behind Christmas!
Here’s a summary of the symbols I used with my own kids and their Christian meanings:
Christmas Symbols and Their Meanings
STAR: When Jesus was born, a new star appeared in the sky. Faithful believers, like the wise men, followed this star to find Jesus. The star reminds us that we also need to seek Jesus each day.
CANDY CANE: Candy canes remind us of the staffs the shepherds carried as they watched over their sheep. Candy canes also remind us of Jesus Christ himself, who is The Good Shepherd.
CHRISTMAS TREE: Unlike most trees, the evergreen stays green all year round. When all other trees are bare, the Christmas tree reminds us of Jesus’ never-ending love for us, and that because of His sacrifice, we can have eternal life.
LIGHT: Christmas lights remind us of the “Light of the World”: Jesus Christ. They also remind us to follow His example and be lights to others by serving them and bringing them unto Christ.
ANGEL: Throughout history, angels have brought important messages to God’s children on Earth. At Christmas, they remind us of the angel Gabriel who told Mary she was to be the mother of Jesus, and of the angels who declared glad tidings to the shepherds.
WREATH: The wreath’s circular shape, which has no beginning or end, reminds us that God’s love for all mankind is never-ending. When you look at a wreath, you can remember that God will always love and help you, no matter what.
BELLS: For many years, bells have been rung announce the arrival of the Christmas season. When we hear bells ringing, they remind us to be joyful and to celebrate the good news of Jesus’s birth.
PRESENTS: Giving and getting gifts is most people’s favorite part of Christmas, and it certainly is fun! But presents also remind us of the gifts given on the first Christmas: the wise men’s gifts for Jesus, and God’s gift of His beloved son–our Savior.
HOLLY: Holly is used as a Christmas decoration all over the world. Its prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns Jesus wore when he was crucified, and the red berries remind us of His bloodshed for all of us.
This activity not only brings a sense of adventure but also weaves in valuable lessons about love, hope, and the true essence of Christmas. So, gather your little explorers and dive into the enchanting world of Christmas symbols.
Merry Christmas!