Sprouts Kids Magazine | December 2024 | Issue 9

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KID’S MAGAZINE

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Holiday Craft s pg. 5

oa Christmas Coc pg. 8

December 2024 | Issue 9

The Sprouts Scout s and the perfect Christmas tree pg. 16

Merry Christmas!

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KIDS MAGAZINE

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What are we learning this month?

December is the month that holds my favorite holiday of the year. We celebrate Christmas this month, the arrival of our Lord and Savior. Scholars believe Jesus was actually born in the month of July, but the traditional date to celebrate is December 25th. Reminding kids about the real reason for Christmas is a priority for our family to ensure we do not lose sight of the greatest gift we could ever receive. Amidst the gift exchanges, decorations, and the worldly emphasis on receiving, it's important not to lose sight of the true meaning of Christ’s birth. My prayer for you and your family this Christmas is that you will find a way to show Christ how grateful you are for Him. There are many ways to give back and give God the glory for it—check out some ideas throughout this month’s issue. Merry Christmas!

Let’s Grow Together SproutsMagazine.com

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Sprouts Kids Magazine, Copyright © 2024 by the Sprouts Kids Magazine LLC is published monthly

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Ways to Give Back

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What are Christmas Carols?

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Holiday Arts & Crafts

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Sprout Pals

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Christmas Cocoa

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A Sprouts Guide: Being Merry

9-10

The Bookshelf

11-12

Sprouts Bible Story: The Greatest Story Ever Told

13-14

The Sprouts Scouts and the Perfect Christmas Tree

15-16

Christmas Hidden Pictures

17-18

Sprout Power!

19-20

Christmas Activity Pages

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o t s y Wa k c a B e Giv

My sister and I decided to support our local community this season by helping collect food, medicine, and clothes for those in need. It felt so good to give back!

Feeding those in need

Talk to y ou r p ar e n ts a b o th e b e st ut w ay you and you family c r ould help o t h e rs during t he Chris tm as se a son .

Food banks Gift donations

Blanket Drives Donations

Looking for ways to make a difference in your local community?

Reach out to us on social media or at morgan@sproutskidsmagazine.com and we will help you get connected!

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WHAT ARE

CHRISTMAS CAROLS? A Christmas carol is a song that is sung to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are many songs about Jesus’ birth and they are great reminders of why we celebrate.

Which is your favorite?

Hark the

Away in a Manger

Herald Angels Sing

Go Tell it on the Mountain Silent Night

Joy to th e World Tow n e l t t i OL em t h le h e B f o

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s t r A y Holida s t f a r and C

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Pine Cone Ornaments Materials: • Pine cones • Craft paint (optional) • Glue (hot glue or craft glue) • Glitter (optional) • Ribbon or twine • Small decorations (beads, bells, faux berries) • Scissors Instructions:

1. Prep Pine Cones: Clean and dry pine cones.

2. Paint (optional): Add craft paint to the whole pine cone or just the tips. Let dry.

3. Glitter (optional): Apply glue to the tips and sprinkle with glitter. Shake off excess and let dry.

4. Attach Hanger: Cut ribbon or twine, tie into a loop, and glue to the top of the pine cone.

5. Decorate: Glue small decorations like beads or berries onto the pine cone.

6. Dry & Hang: Let everything dry, then hang your ornament.

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DIY Christmas Wreath Wreath Directions 1. Grab your parent and head to a craft store to find a wreath.

2. Pick out some Christmas trinkets to attach.

3. With a parent’s help use a hot glue gun to add ornaments, knicknacks, ribbons, or glittery additions to your wreath.

4. Hang it on your front door or give it as a gift!

Salt Dough Ornaments

H e re ar ea c o u p le o f id e a s to g e t y o u sta rte d !

Ornament Directions 1. Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup water together.

2. Roll out like traditional dough and make your ornament shapes!

3. Have a parent help you bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes per 1/4 in of the thickness of your ornament.

4. Let them cool and use acrylic paint to decorate!

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Sprout Pals Meet Brinkley!

Brinkley is 12 years old. He has been an enormous comfort to his owners as Brinkley came home to live with his family after they lost someone close to them. Brinkley is the king of loyalty and follows his mom fiercely wherever she goes! He has a funny personality, loves baths, and light reading. His only drawback is his bark that can drive his family a bit bonkers!

Other than that, he is the perfect pup with the perfect hair!

Christmas Cocoa Recipe Cocoa Ingredients

Directions

1 cup milk

Hot Cocoa: 1. Put 1 cup of milk into a glass measuring cup.

2. Place in microwave for about 45 seconds (ask a parent to help you depending on the power of your microwave).

3. Once finished, use an oven mit (if needed) to remove the glass measuring cup.

4. Stir in the maple syrup, cocoa power, and vanilla extract.

5. Set aside to reheat when you are ready to drink.

2 tsp. Cocoa powder 1 tbsp. Maple syrup 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Homemade Whipped Cream 1 pint heavy whipping cream 1 tbsp. Maple syrup

Did you know? The largest cup of hot chocolate in the USA was created in 2013 by the Festival of Chocolate and The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, Florida! The massive cup contained 880 gallons of hot cocoa! Yum!

Kitchen Tools

Homemade Whipped Cream: 1. Pour the heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl along with the maple syrup.

2. Beat on high with a hand or standing mixer until whipped cream starts to form (about 7 minutes). Be patient—it’s worth it!

Reheat your hot cocoa if needed and add a dollop of whipped cream on top. If you’re feeling festive, add some cinnamon, nutmeg, or sprinkles to top it off!

Finished Product Glass Measuring Cup

Mixer

Whisk

Microwave Oven Mit

Measuring spoons

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A S P R U T S GUIDE: BEING MERRY WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “BE MERRY?” LET’S LOOK AT HOW THE SPROUTS BELOW ARE SPREADING THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS TO OTHERS!

t the u o k Chec u can o y s badge he next on t earn page!

At home.

Jessa spent a long time making her mom the perfect Christmas ornament to hang on their family tree.

At church.

At school.

Tatum and her dad gather blankets from their neighborhood to take to the church blanket drive. They are grateful to share warmth during this cold season with people who need it.

Ava and Bobby painted a nativity scene for their teachers for Christmas.

They love the Christmas reminder of Jesus’ birth.

In your community.

The Harper family hosts an annual Christmas party to sing carols about Jesus’ birth and remind their friends and family the reason for Christmas. It’s a great time to celebrate and be grateful for the many blessings they have.

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Learn more at SproutsMagazine.com

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MERRY BADGES YOUR TEACHER OR PARENT CAN SPOT YOUR JOLLY SPIRIT AND AWARD YOU ONE OF THESE COOL BADGES BELOW!

MERRY MASTER CAROL CHAMPION

CHRISTMAS CHEERMEISTER

HOLIDAY HELPER

Learn more at SproutsMagazine.com

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126 S Broad St, Thomasville, GA

Parts of a Letter: Salutation: Say hello!

Body: Write your message Closing: Say goodbye Signature: Sign your name

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Annie’s December Book Recommendations Merry Christmas, Sprouts! I am grateful this year to celebrate the birth of Jesus during this season. Take a peek below and see some of my favorite Christmas books this year. I hope you enjoy the letter writing activity on page 20. Writing letters is a fun activity to stay in touch with those we love. Sending a Christmas letter or card is a great way to spread joy this year, too! I wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas holiday and a prayer-filled time together!

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger Little Mortimer Mouse longs for a cozy home, as his current mouse hole is "too cold, too cramped, too creepy." He discovers a Nativity set with a perfect hay-filled bed and moves the figures aside to sleep in the manger. On Christmas Eve, he learns the Nativity story and prays to Jesus for a home. The story, emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas over Santa or presents, making it ideal for children ages 3-7.

Discovering Christmas (Advent Devotional) I absolutely love Amanda Jass’ new devotional featuring specific verses, stories, and activities for the whole family! This book is perfect for those seeking a Christmas devotional focused on Jesus, learning scripture, and incorporating fun activities that help kids retain the stories!

Perfect for the whole family!

Visit Annie! www.BookshelfThomasville.com

@BookshelfTville

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The Greatest Story Ever Told THE ARRIVAL OF OUR KING The birth of Jesus can be found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The story begins with a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered for a census. Joseph, being of the lineage of David, travels with his betrothed, Mary, from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David. Mary, who is pregnant, accompanies Joseph on this journey. Upon arrival in Bethlehem, they find that there is no room available in the inn. Consequently, they find shelter in a stable, and there Mary gives birth to Jesus. She wraps Him in swaddling clothes and lays Him in a manger. Nearby, shepherds are watching over their flocks at night. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appears to them, and the glory of the Lord shines around them. The shepherds are terrified, but the angel reassures them, saying: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appears with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” The shepherds decide to go to Bethlehem to see this event that has been told to them. They find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in the manger. After seeing Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who hear it are amazed. The shepherds return, glorifying and praising God for all the things they have heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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what do you think?

Daddy, I love this story! I bet Jesus was a cute baby!

How do you think Mary felt when they couldn’t find a place for her to have the baby?

What does it mean to call Jesus a gift?

I am sure he was, sweetie! The best part is he was the greatest gift we could ever receive.

What would it have been like to see Jesus as a baby?

What do you think Mary and Joseph were like as parents?

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The Sprouts Scouts’ Adventures

The Sprouts Scouts volunteer at the annual Christmas tree farm and help a friend in the process!

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The Sprouts Scouts and the perfect Christmas Tree It was time for the Sprouts Scouts to help their church with their annual Christmas tree farm! The Scouts loved this time of year because it meant raising money for a special organization that bought children and families items like blankets, food, and gifts to make the holiday season special! Each year the friends would visit with the customers and sing Christmas carols while people shopped for their Christmas trees.

Mrs. Garrett, Louis’ neighbor, lost her husband just before Thanksgiving. She is a member of the church and she had missed a couple of Sundays lately because she was so sad and couldn’t bear to leave her house. Louis saw her walking toward the library near the Christmas tree farm and called her name, “Mrs. Garrett! Mrs. Garrett! Nice to see you!” Mrs. Garrett turned around and gave a slight smile and waved to Louis. “Would you like to buy a tree today?” Mrs. Garrett shook her head. “I can’t. I am sorry, Louis.” Louis frowned and said, “But why not?”

Mrs. Garrett held back tears, “My husband loved Christmas and I just can’t bear to think of celebrating it without him.” Louis nodded and said, “I know you are sad. My grandma passed away last year and it was very hard. I do think the people we love want us to try to still be happy. Do you think Mr. Garrett would want you to still have a tree this year?”

Mrs. Garrett smiled at the wisdom of the young boy before her, “You know, I think he probably would.”

Louis smiled, “I think he would, too! And me and my friends can come help you decorate it!” Mrs. Garret smiled, “Deal!”

Mrs. Garrett and Louis found the perfect tree for her little nook near her front window. She got out her decorations and made hot chocolate and cookies for the Sprouts Scouts to enjoy while they were decorating. Mrs. Garrett was grateful for the tree and realized it made her less sad than she thought it would. When the Sprouts Scouts arrived, Louis asked if he could say a prayer for Mrs. Garrett. Mrs. Garrett was surprised and said, “Of course.” Louis prayed, “Dear God, thank you for Mrs. Garrett.

Thank you for giving us the chance to help her decorate this year. Please help her not be so sad.

Amen.” Mrs. Garrett smiled at the children before her. She was so grateful to have company and not be alone. After they were done decorating, Mrs. Garrett walked the Scouts to the door to say goodbye. “Mrs. Garrett, would you like to sit next to me at the Christmas Eve service?” Mrs. Garrett smiled and said, “It would be an honor to sit with you and your family, Louis. Thank you!”

During the service, singing “Silent Night” reminded Mrs. Garrett of the true meaning of Christmas and she cried tears of joy that God had brought her such special kids to help her decorate this year. She still missed Mr. Garrett, but it helped having people around her to show God’s love during Christmas.

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Christmas HIDDEN PICTURES

Zucchini 17

Snowflake

Bow

Ornament

Shoe

The Dickinsons are going Christmas shopping for their family and for the local church donation drive. See if you can spot the hidden pictures during their trip!

Fish

Butterfly Strawberry

Bug

Umbrella

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SPROUT POWER as m t s i r Ch L e tte r g W r it in

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Choose a family member or a friend to write a heartfelt Christmas letter to.

Think about the events of this year and how you plan to celebrate the holiday season. Seal it in an envelope, attach a stamp, and send it their way!

Receiving mail, especially a personal letter from you, will surely bring joy to their day!

y Christmas! r r e M

CHRISTMAS MAZE PUZZLE Instructions: Help the Sprouts Scouts make it to the Christmas tree to help finish decorating!

Start here

Christmas Cookies Ideas! e is i k o o c h W h ic o r it e ? v a f r u o y

W h ic h o n e looks the m ost d e cor a t iv e ?

Looking for the perfect Christmas Cookie?

22 Email us at morgan@sproutskidsmagazine.com to snag our secret recipe!

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