As the holiday season unfolds, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of decorations, gift-giving, and festive gatherings. Amidst the joy and excitement, it’s essential to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and keep the spirit of Christ at the heart of the celebrations. Here are 10 meaningful ways to ensure that the essence of Christmas remains focused on the birth of Jesus:
Read the Nativity Story
Set aside time on Christmas Day to read the nativity story from the Bible. Recounting the events surrounding the birth of Jesus helps refocus attention on the true reason for the season.
- Matthew 1:18-2:23
- Luke 2:1-20
Christmas Crafts with a Message
Plan craft activities that incorporate Christ-centered themes. Create paper angel ornaments, print off nativity coloring sheets, or use cutouts to let kids create their very own nativity creations that you can cherish forever.
Advent Calendar Adventures
Design a special Advent calendar for kids, filled with small treats and daily activities centered around the true meaning of Christmas. Include tasks like drawing pictures of the nativity or sharing what they’re thankful for. You can also incorporate a scripture of the day leading up to Christmas that you can read together as a family.
Bake a Birthday Cake for Jesus
This is a tradition we started as a family when our oldest was a baby, and it is a tradition all of our kids look forward to every year. We bake a birthday cake or cupcakes for Jesus on Christmas Eve and we add candles and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas Day. Such a great way to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas for our entire family.
Bake and Share Jesus’ Love
Spend time baking cookies or treats shaped like nativity scenes, stars, or angels in the kitchen. Use the opportunity to discuss the meaning of Christmas and share these goodies with neighbors or friends.
Give to Those in Need
Embrace the spirit of giving by extending a helping hand to those less fortunate. Volunteer at a local charity, donate to a cause that aligns with your values, or hand out food to the hungry on the street. Call around shelters and organizations to see which ones allow kids to get involved in giving back. Volunteering is a way to teach kids the importance of having a giving heart and it has become something my kids enjoy doing every chance we get.
Christmas Movie Night with a Message
Choose animated Christmas movies that tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Follow up the movie with a discussion about what they learned and how the movie made them feel. Perfect time to discuss the importance of keeping Christ in Christmas.
Visit a Live Nativity Scene
Check local events for live nativity scenes or reenactments. Tangibly experiencing the story can leave a lasting impression on young minds.
Christmas Eve Pajama Party
On Christmas Eve, host a festive pajama party complete with hot cocoa, storytelling, and a special prayer to thank God for the gift of Jesus. Add nativity coloring sheets for the kids and use the opportunity to remind them what Christmas is all about.
Nativity Playtime
Encourage creative play by introducing a nativity set for hands-on play. Let kids act out the nativity story using figurines, creating a fun and memorable experience. Create puppets and let them put on a show for family. This encourages fun all while learning more about the story of Jesus’ birth.
These ten activities weave the magic of Christmas into the hearts of children, ensuring that the true meaning of the season is not only understood but cherished. May these experiences create lasting memories and cultivate a love for the timeless story of Jesus’ birth in the hearts of your little ones.
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