Teaching Our Children Christ At Christmas

By: Arrica H.

The anticipation of Christmas is one of the joys of childhood, but unfortunately, our society has made it about Santa coming and the gifts we will receive. Here are some ideas from my home to yours this Christmas season to put Jesus front and center. 

1. Do A Countdown Focused On Jesus

This can be as simple as introducing a new character in the Christmas story or reading a passage of scripture each day. Purchase a fun package or devotional from a Christian bookstore or download something free online. Here are our picks for this season: Donkey in the Living Room and Countdown to Christmas with the Names of Jesus

2. Have A Nativity Set For Play

Decorative nativities are pretty but not practical for hands-on. Children learn so much through play and get a chance to act out the things they have learned. Some of my sweetest memories from Christmas pasts include watching my son save Baby Jesus from Herod and his army and seeing my daughter carry baby Jesus with her to bed each night.

3. ​Give Like Jesus

We’re called to imitate Jesus by humbly serving others and giving to those in need. Of course, this should be a regular part of our living out our Christian faith, but Christmas allows giving extra. We can reinforce God as a Giver by giving us Jesus and how much of a Giver Jesus was by giving His life for us. 
This year our family has incorporated not eating out the entire month of December and instead using the extra money to donate food to a local food bank and give gift cards to those we know in need. Sit as a family and discuss how you can give like Jesus.

4. ​Have a Birthday Party for Jesus!

We tell our children that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of our Savior. In their world, we have a party for the birthdays of special people in our lives. So, bake a cake together, sing happy birthday to Jesus, decorate if they want to, and take the opportunity to explain to them that the greatest gift we can give back to Jesus is giving Him our lives through salvation. We do our party on Christmas Eve night! 

5. Start Christmas Morning with Family Worship

Before presents or rushing to get food prepared, gather your family together, and worship our Lord. In our home, we sing some traditional Christmas hymns, read the Christmas account from Luke 2, and then praise God in prayer for the gift of Jesus and the life, joy, peace, and salvation He brings.


Colossians 3:2 instructs, “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” If we want to keep the focus on Jesus, let’s be intentional in building a sense of excitement over the birth of our Savior and not worldly traditions. I pray you find these ideas helpful. What are some ways your family puts Christ first at Christmas?
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​Arrica is a follower of Jesus, church planting wife, and homeshooling mom of 4. Her passion is discipling women and in particularly moms. She writes at a http://www.achildshallleadthemblog.wordpress.com and prays she can help other Mommas find joy in their motherhood while serving their Savior.  Find her on instagram and facebook.

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