How the Idea of a Candy Cane Program Stuck!

When I was part of the Kid’s ministry team of a large Church, we were running multiple services.  The last Sunday before Christmas, the volunteers and the children were all feeling a little worn out.  Our Christmas play had been performed, and everyone had attended multiple awards nights and Christmas breakup parties for school and sports.  (Here in Australia the summer school holidays begin mid-December with the children returning to school at the end of January.)  Children who had to travel for Christmas had left or were about to, so our numbers were less than usual.  I decided to try a different kind of program for our 8 am and 10 am services and I used ‘The Legend of the Candy Cane’ picture book to do it. 

The Legend of the Candy Cane (ISBN 978-0-310-73012-5) Copyright 1997 by Lori Walburg, Illustrations 2012 by Richard Cowdrey and published by Zonderkidz, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Story Synopsis: 

One dark November night a stranger rides into a small prairie town. Who is he? Why has he come? The townspeople wish he were a doctor, a dressmaker, or a trader. But the children have the greatest wish of all, a deep, quiet, secret wish. Then a young girl named Lucy befriends the newcomer. When he reveals his identity and shares with her the legend of the candy cane, she discovers the fulfilment of her wishes and the answer to her town’s dreams. Now will she share what she has learned?

SPOILER: the legend is made up.  I had people ask! 

Decorating

Candy canes are in plentiful supply and they’re cheap!  Fill jars (or clear plastic containers) with them and use them to decorate your sign-in area and other areas of the room.   Use a red and white theme in blankets and cushions, especially on your storytelling chair and on the floor where the children will sit to listen to the story.

Story Time

It is possible to read aloud to all ages if you follow these steps…

Step 1. Create an Engaging Environment

Have a storytelling chair.  It’s not any old chair.  And not just anyone can sit on it.  It’s special.  For the candy cane program, decorate the chair in red and white cushions, and candy canes.  Seat the children cross-legged on rugs on the floor and bring them closer than normal, so you can see their reactions and watch their behaviour. Volunteers sit amongst or beside the children to deal with any distractions.  Lead in with a question to pique the children’s interest. 

Step 2. Know Your Story

You can’t memorize the entire text but you do have to know it.  Fluency is important.  Keep questions for afterwards, so the flow of the story is not broken. 

Step 3.  Be Amazing!

Use everything you’ve got to keep the children listening.  You want to invite them to become part of the story.  Facial expressions, gestures, sound effects, changes in voice and pitch are all vital to the success of your reading aloud.  Don’t read in a monotone unless a story character speaks that way.  Remember to look up from the page to make eye contact.

Audience Participation

There’s a part of the story where Mr. Sonneman explains the shape of a candy cane.  It’s a J for Jesus, it’s a shepherd staff and the stripes are a reminder of how Jesus suffered.  I asked a child to come out and stand next to me to hold a giant candy cane to demonstrate this part of the story.  Make sure you choose a child who will follow instructions and not try and steal the show! 

Craft

If you do an internet search on candy cane crafts you’ll find the one perfect for the age of your children.  I decided on an adaptation of Candy Cane Mice.  I thought the idea of a mouse living in a shop in a prairie town suited the story beautifully.  The original craft uses felt but I substituted cardboard.  I did need to spend some time pre-cutting the shapes for the smaller children.  You’ll find the original Candy Cane Mice pattern here:   https://thediymommy.com/make-candy-cane-mice-a-kids-christmas-craft/

Candy Cane Devotion Book

You can download a free printable mini book for your children to take home.  The parents loved this as many of them had not seen the Candy Cane concept before.  It’s available in colour or in black and white for children to colour themselves.  It’s by Valerie McClintick and she permits it to be used in your classroom.  You’ll find it here: https://christianpreschoolprintables.com/wp-content/uploads/CPP/BibleMinibooks/CandyCaneMinibookPack.pdf

Of course, by the end of the morning, we were all sucking on a candy cane!  We sent them home with families, too.  The program was a hit with volunteers, kids and parents.  For me, it was one of those days I treasure because everything went according to plan.  I actually purchased a candy cane ornament for my Christmas Tree so I would never forget it!  The program was different, charming, Christmas focused and Christ-centred.   I hope you can use it in your Kid’s Ministry this Christmas. 

Merry Christmas!