Kids can re-enact the Nativity at a Christmas pageant.
Many schools celebrate Christmas by having students perform at a holiday-theme pageant. This pageant can take on many forms depending on the school's religious affiliation---or lack thereof---and the talents of the students in the school. Educators should consider the pageant audience when choosing a theme and focus on one that will satisfy the largest group of people. Let students showcase their talents while celebrating the holiday at the same time.
Nativity
Re-enacting the Nativity, or birth of Jesus, is a classic Christmas pageant idea. Because of its obvious religious tones, it may not be appropriate for public schools. Private Christian or Catholic school students, on the other hand, might enjoy retelling the story of Jesus' birth. Cast students as the key players in the event---Joseph, Mary, the three wise men and the innkeeper. Other students can take turns narrating the story while their peers act it out on stage.
Christmas Concert
Students often learn and sing Christmas carols in music class. Let them perform these crowd-pleasing carols at a Christmas concert. This pageant idea works well for any age level---students as young as preschoolers all the way up to seniors in high school will enjoy showcasing their vocal talents at a Christmas pageant. Let top performers sing solos, and allow students who play musical instruments to provide accompaniment.
Christmas Play
A Christmas-theme play is another option for a school's Christmas pageant. Older students can help create the play; for example, the school can challenge the high school drama class to write a script with a Christmas message. The play should involve as many students as possible---some can serve as actors, while others can perform Christmas carols during appropriate points in the play. The play should send a positive holiday message, perhaps one that encourages the audience to give rather than receive around Christmas.
Christmas Talent Show
Not every student excels in the same area, and a Christmas-themed talent show allows students to showcase their skills. Rather than limiting students to acting or singing, allow them to perform however they choose for this talent show. Talented singers can sing Christmas carols; musicians can play holiday-themed music on instruments; and actors can perform a monologue from a favorite Christmas story. Let visual artists get involved as well by displaying their holiday-theme works around the auditorium for the audience to enjoy.
