Christmas isn't complete without a children's play, telling the story of Jesus' birth with bright eyes and forgotten lines.

As many kids prepare for their Christmas Eve shows, parents are trying to figure out how to help them be relaxed on stage.

Lois Brothers of the Children's Acting Centre does this every way with her classes, and has some encouragement for parents.

Take an interest

"If a parent gets involved helping with the lines and taking an interest in what they are doing, it's a huge encouragement for them," Brothers said. She said that parents should be a part of it, regardless of how small the role is, because it lets them know that it's important to you.

Practice

Sometimes, kids can get stage fright. Many times, this can be avoided by giving kids clear direction of what is about to happen.

"If they know exactly what they are going to do, it takes some anxiety away," Brothers explained.

She said that you should tell kids where they are standing, what they are saying, and when they are saying it. You should also explain that there will be lights on them, a big crowd, and any other details.

Give a calm space

Before the play starts, kids should be given a calm space to focus on what they are doing. This includes the room they stand in before, but also includes the commute to the church. Don't rush them out the door and give yourself plenty of time to get there, so that your kid isn't stressed out.

Continue to encourage

Always encourage your kids or the kids that you are working with. 

"Just before they go out on stage I would say good luck, you're awesome, you know what you are doing," Brothers said.

Encourage them when they do something right and encourage them when they forget a line. And Brothers says that you should always remind children how lucky they are to tell the story of Jesus.