Tips to Try

Christmas Storytelling Gatherings

This is the fifth year that Christian Storytelling Network has sponsored the annual Christmas Storytelling Gatherings (CSG). It has developed and taken a life of its own. Those who host a CSG have their own ideas how it ought to be done. That is the way it should be. Some make it a church event, while others have it in their home. Christian schools use it as an annual student/parent event on the calendar. Some invite the community while others make it an “invitation only” event.

All that to say this – there are no set guidelines on how to host a CSG, but here are a few ideas:

Time is short, but don’t worry. Start small and let it grow.
Let us know you are hosting a CSG and tell us your ideas. We can possibly put you in contact with someone who is doing it in a similar way. My email address is Jwalsh@ChristianStorytelling.com. I would love hearing from you, even if you only have an interest and are not ready to commit to an event.
Generally speaking, most people put on a CSG the last week of November or in the month of December. We usually say, “sometime after Thanksgiving and before the New Year.”
Your event would focus on storytelling, but may also include music and drama.

Here are a few thoughts on how you might want to organize a CSG.

Determine how large an event you want it to be.

Some have hosted this event in their home. You could invite certain friends over, and tell them they can invite their friends as well. Another approach is to design it like an open house. People can come when they are able, and leave when they want.

Others plan this as a church event.

It could be a formal performance evening with local storytellers from within the church, or with professional Christian storytellers hired for the evening.
It could be an informal event in a place where food could be served. This might possibly be more along the line of an “open house.”
The church could host this event in a community hall and open it to the area as a community event.

Set a Date.

Make sure you are not planning an event when something major will keep many people from attending. You’ll also want to check your church calendar in order to avoid conflict.

Whenever possible, enlist helpers.

It is always best if several people “take ownership” of the event. They can bring their talent, effort, ideas, and friends. List the various areas of need and find someone to help in that area. Here is a list of possible areas you could assign to others: select storytellers, select and organize music, notify others, food, child care, etc.

Work on Stories:

I am putting a list of small (90 seconds) stories as this month’s Story of the Month.
Michael Forestieri has a wonderful Christmas CD available. Contact him at michael@tellitlikeitis.com.
Your public library also has a huge volume of Christmas stories. The best way to approach this is ask a librarian to help you select just the right ones.

Time to get started:

I know the time is short, but you will thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Let us hear from you.

Don’t forget to check out our ‘Story of the Month’ as well

Check out the past five months of stories and tips