Clay Pot Nativities, Another One

For Christmas one year, each member of the Young Women Board were responsible for finding and telling a Christmas story. After telling their story, they were to have enough handouts based on that story for each girl and a copy of the story. For example, I told the story about the Christmas orange and gave each girl an orange. One told the story of the Polar Express and gave each girl a small bell on a ribbon. We had donuts, hot chocolate and other snacks they could eat during the stories. The girls loved it and they had little mementos after it was all through. Oh yeah, we decorated with a fake Christmas tree and other Christmas-y things (lights, ornaments, nativity) and had comfy chairs ( you could do it at someone's home) and the girls still talk about it. (Idea by Kelly Christiansen)

Secret Grandma's - this was done with all the Young Women. We obtained a list of senior sisters in our ward that would enjoy this. We had about 11 sisters. The girls delivered secret gifts (flowers, cards, goodies, crafts, etc.) to their secret grandma's on a weekly basis for about 2 months. The girls were paired up in two's. We did this to help build some friendships at the same time. At the end of the 2 months we invited the grandma's to a special presentation, held during our Young Women hour. We then shared stories or other information about the grandma's and revealed who their secret grand-daughters were. 2 weeks prior to this we had the grandma's fill out a questionnaire about their lives. The girls presented them a flowerpot they had decorated. We had light refreshments at the end. This was a very touching experience. The sisters really enjoyed getting the extra attention. However, 2 months was too long for the girls to keep interested. I would suggest 1 month instead. (Credit Unknown)

Our Young Women have a tradition every year we call the "Kris Kringle Mingle". We do it like a progressive night, this year we chose 3 houses within walking distance, but in past years we've driven to all the houses. At the 1st house we usually have a short spiritual lesson with a possible musical number or two. We then have a craft of some sort and a white elephant gift exchange. And at the last house we have lots of food and we usually pass out our gift to all the young women as well. Each year is a little different but the girls really love it and look forward to it. The night goes by very quickly as well because we are always leaving to the next house. This year, since all the houses are on the same street, we are going to carol as we walk. (Idea by Sandra Dee Pinney / ga11112006)

Baby-sitting for Christmas shopping - this was put together as a Laurel project. The girls sent a sign-up sheet around for any interested parents who would like to leave their kids with all the young women at the church. I think we chose the hours of 9:00-1:00 on a Saturday in December. The girls planned activities for the whole time. They put the kids in groups and did crafts, a story, music, games, decorated cookies, etc. The kids each brought a sack lunch and we had them eat on blankets in the cultural hall. Each laurel was in charge of a section and the other young women helped out. We had over 50 kids come and the girls kept very, very busy! 

Santa's Lost and Found

Christmas Caroling - the Young Women all went caroling to a retirement home/convalescent home. They did a great job and the elderly people really enjoyed their visit. We made arrangements with the facility before we went.