The relationship between the USA and the holiday season is quite close, and yet the number of people attending church around Christmas time is relatively lower than it was previously. Many families use the run-up to Christmas as a time to prepare for the big day, usually cramming what little time they have in the shopping center, getting last-minute gifts for family members.
Given the history of Christmas in the United States, it’s easy to see why church leaders have concerns that the numbers in the congregation have fallen during the latter months of the year. Add to that the growing concerns that come with Covid-19 and its devastating effect on the country, and there is a necessity to turn to new and simple ideas.
One such way to see the church be re-engaged by the community at Christmas time is to make the building itself a little more festive. Getting out the wreaths, grabbing some holiday decor, and sprucing up the Christmas tree are all great ways to draw attention back to the place of worship once more. However, hanging up some holiday lights isn’t the be-all and end-all, so here are four ways to really decorate your church for Christmas.
1. Don’t refrain from colorful decor.
It may sound obvious, but kids love colorful and bright Christmas decor. In fact, adults do too, but if you’re wanting to get the attention of families, you have to start by keeping the interest of the youngest members. Too many times have they been let down by establishments simply running through the motions and running a tick box exercise of decoration, so set both an example to them and defy expectations by putting up a thoroughly impressive display of festiveness.
Let’s be honest about it, churches are pleasantly pleasing to look at, but only from an adult perspective. Children are easily fascinated but just as quickly bored. A little sprucing up here and there will make all of the difference. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to do, then get in touch with a commercial holiday decorations retailer and see what they have on offer. It might be worth doing this earlier in the year, as holiday decor sells out incredibly quickly as you near the festive period.
2. Take hold of the opportunities.
No one is suggesting that you pick up your own copy of the New King James Version of the Holy Bible, and preach in the street in front of your new shiny commercial holiday decor. However, this is a wonderful opportunity to network with the congregation outside of mass and bring the Word of God to parishioners in a slightly different way.
For instance, if you enlist the help of your church’s youth group to put up the decorations, you can take Sunday school into a new setting and explain the meaning behind some of the traditions. The same applies to all members of the congregation—conversing and talking with them over a fun event can be a pleasant experience for all.
3. Bring in third parties and other helpers.
Americans are the most charitable people in the world, and there isn’t a better example of that than during the holidays. If you make your decoration days a special event, you can invite others to raise money for a cause. Alternatively, you can join other charitable groups and come up with a way of making the experience memorable and entertaining. Plus, with more people aware of your partnerships, you’re likely to see more people come into the church in time.
4. Don’t let this be a one-off.
Do a good enough job and you can be expected to decorate the church again the following year. So, give the people what they want and make it an annual tradition. The more people know, the more inclined they’ll be to help. Likewise, the more they help, the more likely they’ll visit over the holidays. When they do, they can experience the true meaning of Christmas—togetherness, giving, and holiday cheer.
