Guide to the Friend

The Guide to the Friend can help you find stories or articles for preparing lessons or talks for church or for family home evening. The Primary theme for December is “My family is blessed when we remember Jesus Christ.”

Family Home Evening Ideas

Look for the FHE symbol on the [original magazine] pages mentioned below.

1. Read the First Presidency’s “A Christmas Message” (pages 2–3). Then prepare the advent calendar “Christmas on Temple Square” (pages 24–25). Plan to do each of the daily activities listed. (Note that activities listed on Mondays can be incorporated into family home evenings throughout the month.)

2. In “This Is Christmas!” (pages 10–12), Linda is reminded of the Savior while visiting Temple Square. What else does she learn? Discuss your family’s favorite holiday traditions and how they can help remind you of the Savior.

3. Read “Christmas in the Americas” (pages 18–21) and plan to perform it. You may want to involve extended family, neighbors, or ward members as well. Afterward, serve Fudgy Oat Drops for refreshments (page 22).

4. In “A Tree for Nana” (pages 28–30), James cheers up his grandmother. Can your family think of someone who needs help? Using recipes and craft ideas from the Christmas Workshop (pages 22–23) and “Gift Tags and Ornaments” (page 42), assemble a Christmas cheer package for someone special.

5. Read “The Nativity” (page 7) and “The Nativity Set” (pages 40–41). What are some ways you can remember Jesus Christ this Christmas season? How can you keep Him at the center of your life?

6. For more ideas, see page 17.