We’ve all seen the unforgettable 1966 animated adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” On Christmas Eve, a grumpy green creature steals all the presents from the unsuspecting Whos of Whoville. He intends to end Christmas forever.

Don’t let COVID be this year’s Christmas Grinch.

Following a turbulent 2020, Christmas is going to feel a little different to what we have previously known. The best guess of experts is the pandemic will still be with us for the holidays, so we will be living with social distancing rules and limited gathering allowances. But you can still provide your Whoville with their best Christmas ever.

Planning For Christmas 

Pinterest published a recent report showing Christmas-related searches are seeing a major increase. 

“…consumers are craving the comfort of the holidays. They want this season to feel more festive than ever before, and they’re asking for brands to help them get there." 

Christmas music is going to be released in October, three weeks ahead of schedule.  People are ready for 2020 to end. They want something to look forward to. People are eager for a nostalgic Christmas from happier times.  

Every church scrambled to get ready for a COVID Easter. There is a long runway to get ready for Christmas. Turn on the Christmas music, pour some eggnog and start brainstorming now for Noel. (See 20 seedbed ideas below.)

How do you plan for Christmas when you don’t know what to plan for? Who to plan for? Where to plan for?

Our Christmas Why 

What we do know is why we plan for the season. Christmas is all about Jesus. So, how do we help our communities engage with Jesus during COVID?

First, plan for what you can control. Large gatherings, cantatas and kids choirs are probably off the table. If restrictions are lifted in November and people can re-gather safely, just being together will be enough to make a festive celebration. 

Second, find out what your town, city or ministerial is planning for the season. Find a way to partner with them. If they don’t have plans, offer your plan. 

Third, start now to plan your best Christmas ever.

The meaning of Christmas hasn’t changed but your planning should.

Thanksgiving for Christmas

Start talking with your church about Christmas on Sunday October 4th. People need a distraction and something to look forward to. Let your congregation know this will be THE best Christmas your church has even celebrated.

Don’t chince on Christmas. Allocate personnel and financial resources to Christmas.  Plan to share Christmas onsite and online.

Community Focus

Don’t put the focus on your church at Christmas. Focus on what your church is doing for your community. 

If you haven’t already, start curating video content of every way your church has helped your community during COVID. Add to it over October to December. Then, produce a heart-warming video to celebrate the love of Jesus, the Good News, in your community. Feature the video in your onsite and online Christmas services.

The Whos in Whoville will thank you for being the church that reminded them that Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more.

There are 46 Christmas gifts awaiting you at this link. One of these ideas will work for you and your church.

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