Many small groups take the Christmas season off—and that’s perfectly fine. But if your group really loves Jesus (wink), you’re not slowing down. You’re soldiering through like the little drummer boy who could. Travel, family gatherings, and time off work won’t stop you from meeting and growing together.
If your small group plans to meet during December, you might be wondering what to do that’s both meaningful and a little out of the ordinary. Here are 15 Christmas ideas for small groups—a mix of fellowship, service, and worship opportunities that will help you celebrate the season together.
15 Christmas Ideas for Small Groups
Fellowship Ideas for Small Groups
Don’t feel bad about wanting to have fun as a group this Christmas. Joyful fellowship is a biblical part of community life! Try one or more of these Christmas fellowship ideas:
-
Go Christmas caroling. Visit neighbors, nursing homes, or nearby families and share songs of hope and joy.
-
White elephant gift exchange. Keep it funny and lighthearted! (See explanation here).
-
Ornament exchange. Each person brings a wrapped ornament to trade.
-
Potluck dinner. Have everyone bring their favorite Christmas dish to share.
-
“Favorite book” exchange. Swap books that have inspired or encouraged you this year.
-
After-Christmas gift exchange. Celebrate in mid-January when gifts are on sale—and extend the joy of Jesus’ birth. (Let’s be honest, Jesus probably loved a good bargain!)
RELATED: Don’t Waste Your December
-
Serving Ideas for Small Groups
The Christmas season is a perfect time to serve others and reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways. Try these service-oriented small group ideas:
-
Ask your pastor for local families in need. Provide food, gifts, or Christmas essentials.
-
Partner with your local school district. Offer to sponsor families with meals or presents.
-
Volunteer with The Salvation Army. Sign up to ring the bell or help collect donations.
-
Write letters to deployed soldiers. If you live in a military town, this is a beautiful way to bless those far from home.
-
Bless your pastor and family. Consider an Amazon or restaurant gift card, or even a night away as a token of appreciation.
-
