From The Church Times - November 2011 Jane Tibbs has been involved in teaching for many years, and more recently in training clergy and others in children's work. Creative Ideas for Advent and Christmas provides 80 ideas for people to do for the church, home, or community: things to make or cook, party games, local festivals, and so on. Many of these ideas are not too specifically Christian, of course, but a very valuable way in to talking about the season, and a good way of passing on customs, traditions, and skills that can be all too easily lost. Reviewed by Peter McGeary
Reviewed by Christian Marketplace - October 2011 Also from BRF is something for the family to engage in together during Advent. Creative Ideas for Advent and Christmas by Jane Tibbs comes from the Barnabas for Children imprint and contains '80 Seasonal Activities for use with Children'. In the introduction Tibbs says that Advent is, 'the time of year to try and engage and inspire children to focus their attention on the fact that Christmas is about God sending his Son, Jesus, as a tiny baby, into the world to be its saviour'. Amen to that I say and there is plenty in here to draw the attention away from Christmas present lists. There are large-scale activities such as a village nativity (images of The Vicar of Dibley Christmas Special come to mind here!) and a Christingle Service. But there are also small-scale activities such as the Family Christmas quiz, various party games requiring minimal resources, and alternative Christmas decoration ideas such as egg-box baubles and creative ideas for using old Christmas cards. Well worth a look this one I think.
From Child in the Midst - October 2011 Jane Tibbs' book is like unwrapping a Pass the Parcel. There are layer after layer of ideas to help families and churches celebrate Advent and Easter. Seasonal food treats, Advent countdowns, creative prayers and Crib and Posada service outlines are just some of the delights you'll find between the pages. Particularly welcome are the ideas to help families to live Advent at home in creative ways which are about more than chocolate calendars!
