The bustle and busy time of Advent and Christmas will be behind us very soon and the long winter will set in. Finding ways to fight the winter blues and continue the excitement and energy of Christmas during these months can be challenging. Here are a few ideas for indoor activities for all ages to invigorate your family and multi-age ministries.

Our congregation has an indoor labyrinth that was painted on an old stage curtain after a mishap with some shaving cream during a youth talent show. The labyrinth is just the right size for our fellowship hall and offers a place to spend time in spiritual reflection. Walking the labyrinth indoors offers a weather-friendly way to journey with guided or unguided prayer and meditation. Kids love the indoor labyrinth and often have a hard time containing their energy in “walking” along the path. They enjoy the labyrinth at their own pace, often skipping along, as they pass back and forth on its winding route. You can create a labyrinth on any floor with painter’s tape. There are a variety of patterns available online.

Another idea for an indoor activity is a craft day for all ages. Our congregation has a long history of hosting a popular Advent fair that includes making several crafts of various difficulty levels. You could also host a post-Christmas craft fair. It could have a theme like baptism, communion, Christian symbolism, flowers and plants from biblical times, or even God’s creation in the winter. A few well-planned crafts along with hot beverages and a snack would make a cozy and fun winter afternoon event.

Lastly, coming up with a new idea for an indoor picnic or potluck would be a fun way to share a meal together. Recently our youth group decided to host a chili cook-off. This was a brand-new event for us but generated a lot of interest and fun. Nine cooks brought their chili to church. Attendees were given a sample of each chili and five tickets to vote for their favorites. At the end of the event, a winner was crowned and given a hilarious paper championship belt. The youth raised some money for the summer camp scholarship fund, and a great time of food, fellowship, and light-hearted competition was shared.

Be creative and enjoy the warmth and friendship of your church family during these cold and dark winter months.