We know Christ is the center of Christmas, but it can still be so easy to make Him an after-thought around Christmas time. I’ve found a few ideas that’ll help you to have a more Christ-centered Christmas, while also making it fun for your kids.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.
Take Part in the Light The World Campaign
What better way to make Christmas Christ-centered than to do something good every single day? The Light The World initiative is “an invitation to transform Christmas into a season of service. It’s a worldwide movement to touch hearts and change lives by doing the things Jesus did: feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, visiting the sick and afflicted, and showing kindness to everyone.” This initiative is organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it’s for anyone!
Here you can download a calendar with service ideas that are appropriate for adults and older kids or one that is perfect for smaller kids. The Redheaded Hostess also has ADORABLE service cards you can print for free and use as an advent calendar (or however you want) with your kids.
Try a Scripture Advent Calendar
I remember Christmas nights when I was young, after all the festivities were done, we were full with all the goodies our hearts could desire, my stepdad would gather us for a Christmas lesson. I wish I could say I had fond memories of this, but instead, I remember always feeling like, “Ughhh…” I just wanted to keep playing with my new stuff or eating more junk food.
Christmas is so exciting for kids and it can be hard to get your family excited about a long spiritual lesson, so instead, try a scripture advent calendar to learn about the story of Christ all throughout the month of December. Brooke Romney has a great scripture advent calendar for older families and one for younger families. It includes cards with daily scriptures and thought-provoking questions to encourage family discussions. I just purchased the one that’s more appropriate for smaller kids, and I’m so excited to get started.
Have a Small “Names of Christ” Tree
Learning all the different names of Christ teaches us more about Him! We have a tiny little tree that’s usually a decoration by itself, but this year, I plan to put ornaments with the various names of Christ on them. I love these star ornaments, but you could also create your own ornaments or pictures with these files from Etsy.
Showcase a Kid-Friendly Nativity Set
There are so many nativity sets that could easily be broken, but there are plenty of kid-friendly nativities you could showcase so your kids could look at them and even play with them. I love the Melissa and Doug nativity sets or this adorable wood block nativity set.
Read Simple Books about the Nativity Story
Help your kiddos understand the Christmas story by reading books that are more on their level. There are so many great books about the nativity story, including some that are more classic like The Nativity Story for Toddlers and Kids, or some that have a little more fun like There’s a Lion in My Nativity!
Give Your Kids Fun Nativity-Themed Activities
Another way to reach your kids on their level is to find a nativity-themed activity they’d love. I bought my kids a nativity-themed sticker book that I’ll break out at our annual Christmas movie pizza party. Here’s a great sticker book and a fun book with mazes, puzzles, and connect the dots.
Play Christ-Centered Christmas Songs Too
Okay, I’m definitely not saying to let go of the classics, but you could throw some Christ-centered Christmas songs into your Christmas list. We’ve got songs from Josh Groban, Pentatonix, and others on our list, but you could also check out this list of Christ-centered Christmas songs on YouTube.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all! Christmas can get overwhelming, so just pick what works best for you to have a more Christ-centered Christmas with your kids, even if it’s only one simple thing. Do you have more ideas of how to have a more Christ-centered Christmas? I’d love to hear them! Find me on Instagram or email me at mandy@themomhub.co.
