Rosemary Lethbridge uses very creative ideas as a planter – now planning a new plant (The Watering Hole) in Southampton, England:

CARD MAKING: In the UK card making is the number one hobby at the moment. Plan a Christmas card making class. Everyone needs cards so why not have fun making that special handmade card for that extra special person. This event works well in an intergenerational setting. There are card making websites – or, I am sure that someone's friend is already a card maker so why not ask them to lead a class for the novices.

CARD & MINCE PIE PARTY: Buy a bundle of cheap Christmas cards. Sign them while filling your face with mince pies and hot chocolate – and then go out carol singing. In the UK people expect carolers to ask for money – so why not turn the tables on them and surprise them with handing them one of your Christmas cards and NOT asking for any money.

CHRISTMAS DAY POP IN: This is NOT a church service – but a chance for anyone (as families or on their own) to “pop in” on Christmas day for a few moments or even to spend the day at your worship or community centre. Ask local retailers and hoteliers to provide snack food with a Christmas theme. Have kids involved singing or presenting skits. Then plan to spend the day having fun.

IDEAS – from SPURGEONS: If you need some ideas for a Christmas service then why not make a donation to Spurgeons (one of the UK’s largest Christian charities working with children, young people and families) and ask for their Ants Christmas pack. Go to http://www.spurgeonschristmas.org/ The CD, invitations, posters, drama scripts etc give a new and fun twist to the Christmas story.

BALLOON PARTY: Use balloons to create all sorts of Christmas characters – and give prizes for the most creative. (Obviously this event also needs food!)