Christmas time is one the most magical seasons of the year. Christmas trees light up the living room. Garland rests on the window sill. Nativity sets come out of their boxes. Lights line the street corners and dress up homefronts. There is something about it that feels hopeful, beautiful, and cozy. Yet, the very best part of the season for me is witnessing the wonder and awe in my daughters’ eyes. It is a privilege as their mom to help introduce them to the beauty and excitement that Christmas brings and teach them about the baby who we pause to celebrate.
It can be intimidating to teach our children about Jesus during the Christmas season. His birth can get drowned out by the beautiful decorations, presents, food, and festivities. But there are simple ways to help even the youngest child in your family internalize the good news of Jesus’ birth. Keep scrolling for some of the ways we focus our hearts and home on the true meaning of the season.
Christmas Growing Up
One of the biggest ways that my parents focused on Jesus during my childhood Christmases was through Advent activities. A large part of what I am about to share with you comes from that foundation. We would attend weekly Advent services throughout December, read intentional devotionals at breakfast, and spend a good deal of time at church on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Through those traditions and habits, I internalized the Christmas story and want the same for my children.
Advent Wreath
Throughout my childhood, an advent wreath was a staple part of our Christmas decor. It is a simple set up usually made up of a circular candle holder with places for 4-5 candles. The first four candles represent the four Sundays in Advent (hope, peace, joy, and love) as well as an optional candle for Christmas day. Usually the candles for Hope, Peace, and Love are purple or dark blue. Joy is typically pink, and Christmas is represented by a white candle. Lighting this every night at dinner provides a sense of grounding to the Christmas narrative. If you’re looking for a good one to start with, here is one that I love.
Jesse Tree
Similar to an Advent Calendar, a Jesse tree is something new we’re doing this year. Each day there is an ornament or piece of paper for your kids to look at. We got ours from the blog A Well Purposed Woman and they are catered towards younger kids. They match the image to a Bible story in their Storybook Bible for us to read. This is a beautiful way to teach the gospel and the Christmas story one bit at a time.
Christmas Carols
In my opinion, carols are one of the most beautiful parts of Christmas. It’s almost as if the music captures the emotion and warmth of the season. Not to mention, the lyrics of traditional Christmas carols clearly capture the message of the Messiah’s birth. Music is one of the main ways children learn, especially during the earlier years of their lives. Carols can help bring even the youngest of the bunch into the discussions surrounding the season.
Paper Chain Countdown to Christmas
This hands-on activity puts the control in your kiddo’s hands. They can do anything from cut the paper to help you tape the pieces together. And everyday they get to put one off the chain which can help them keep track of how close Christmas is while also allowing them to practice counting and math (if you’re into that kind of thing).
Play Nativity Set
My mom inspired this idea when she purchased this nativity set for her grandbabies. While we have a formal, wood nativity in our home as well, this one allows our kids to play with Mary and Joseph or pretend that the wise men are coming for a visit. Kids learn through imaginative play, and this set allows for that to happen during the Christmas season as well.
Jesus’ Birthday Cake
This is something we look forward to in our household. On Christmas day, we have a cake for dessert after our celebratory meal. We don’t usually put candles on it, but we do refer to it as Jesus’ birthday cake. Our girls love it, and it helps remind them of who we are truly celebrating!
I hope these tips help you as you prepare your home and heart for Christmas. I pray you have a beautiful season filled with hope and peace, and I hope you savor all the precious moments it brings!
Do you have ways that you teach your children about Jesus’ birth? I would love to hear from you in the comments!!
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