SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Spanish Fort United Methodist Church will be reminding children of the “reason for the season” Wednesday with its second annual “Happy Birthday, Jesus” party.

As the name implies, the event offers children from age 3 through fourth grade the chance to celebrate Jesus’ birth just as they would any other friend or family member.

“We’ll have pizza and cake and ice cream just like any other birthday party, but we’ll keep the focus on the fact that Christmas is meant to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and not all that other stuff,” said SFUMC Children’s Director Beth Allen.

The party — slated for 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Extreme Kids Area — will also feature arts and crafts and even a Christmas movie. Allen said each child will leave with homemade ornaments that they can either keep for themselves or give away as presents.

“We want to focus on what the season’s all about, and this gives us a chance to do something that’s just for the kids."