This creative writing activity will get your child in the holiday spirit, while also helping him to reflect on the past and think about the future. Additionally, he will receive a boost in his ability to write creatively and practice his penmanship. Encourage him to share his story on Christmas Day and you'll see why this makes such a great family bonding activity.
What You Need:
- Pencil
- Paper
- Knowledge of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
What You Do:
- If your child is unfamiliar with “A Christmas Carol,” this is a great opportunity to read the novella with him, take him to see a play version of it, or rent one of the many movie renditions of the story. If you don't have the story readily available, here's a summary:
In the story, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts, one that represents the past, one that represents the present, and one that represents the future. Have your child brainstorm a story where he is visited by three ghosts: his past, present and future. He should not only imagine what the ghosts say to him, but what they look like. In each visit, he should bring in real details of things that have happened to him in the past around Christmas time, what he expects of Christmas this year, and in the future.
- Encourage him to write his story and reflect on the memories of his past Christmases, his predictions for this Christmas, and his hopes for the future Christmases of his life.
- To jog his creativity, ask him: What lessons has he learned? What are his favorite memories? What were his favorite presents? Is there anything he hopes to change in the future? What is the best part of the Christmas season?
- He can conclude the story by writing about his feelings about Christmas as a holiday and what part it has played and will play in his life.
Read the story with him and make sure to compliment him on his creative writing abilities! His rendition of the Charles Dickens' classic would make a great present and cherished keepsake for a grandparent or other relative.
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