It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all the Christmas magic this time of year.
- Decorating our homes with festive reds and greens
- Baking endless Christmas treats
- Buying gifts galore
- Wrapping those gifts
- Attending Christmas concerts
And the list goes on and on!
Spending time with your family and creating memories during the holidays is effortless. However, we must remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place: Jesus.
Keeping Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season will require intentional, deliberate effort on your part. If you’re in search of enjoyable and simple Christmas traditions to incorporate into your holidays, look no further. Here are 12 Jesus-centered Christmas traditions that will be easy to implement into your Christmas celebration this year.
1. Christmas Music
Whether you’re the person who loves Christmas music beginning November 1st or only the week of Christmas, there’s no doubt that Christmas music is a part of the season.
Sure, there’s tons of cute, catchy Christmas tunes like “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” By all means, feel free to enjoy them to your heart’s content.
But, don’t neglect the plethora of beautiful, Christ-centered Christmas songs that convey the truth about the real meaning of Christmas.
Make a conscious effort to listen to and learn songs that teach about the birth of Jesus. From classics like “Away in a Manger” to “O Holy Night,” you’re bound to find a new holiday favorite with lyrics specifically proclaiming Jesus’ birth.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful lyrics of these cherished Christmas hymns below. Allow the words to resonate with you as you reflect on Jesus. The Son of God who was born as a baby for us, to be our Savior.
2. Christmas Movies
Personally, there’s nothing better than snuggling up by the Christmas tree, wearing Christmas pajamas and wrapped in cozy blankets, while watching a Christmas movie. We’re big fans of Christmas movies in my home!
Definitely watch all the classics your family adores but take time to watch a Christmas movie (or two) that focuses on Jesus’ birth. For younger children especially, “The Star” is a great option, which tells of the story of Jesus’ birth from a donkey’s perspective. The many animal characters will be sure to keep the little one’s attention. Another family-friendly idea (for older children) is “The Nativity Story,” which depicts Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.
Arriving in theaters this year, is “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” which is about the Herdman family, “the worst kids in town,” becoming a part of the church Christmas pageant. Will it prove to be disastrous, or will it turn out better than expected? I think this movie really portrayed the real meaning of Christmas!
After watching, spend some time as a family discussing the movie and reflect on what it teaches them about Jesus.
3. Christmas Caroling
Is caroling still a popular tradition? It doesn’t seem to be as prevalent as depicted in Christmas movies, but I definitely think it’s a heartwarming way to spread Christmas cheer. Whether you decide to sing to strangers, neighbors, or church members, it’s a sweet gesture to bring the holiday spirit to those who need it most. Visiting a nursing home to sing carols would be a considerate idea.
Reflecting on my childhood, I recall spending evenings caroling with my church group. We would visit various homebound church members to sing faith-based Christmas songs.
Consider assembling (or joining) a group to Christmas carol this year. Make sure the majority of people can carry a tune!!
4. Christmas Church Services
There’s no better time than the holidays to spend time in church. Whether you’re a regular attendee who doesn’t miss a Sunday, or haven’t been since Easter, plan to attend church this Christmas season.
Christmas Eve holds a unique experience, as many churches host candlelight services. Singing all the Christmas songs with hundreds of others, while the church is adorned in Christmas decorations, there’s nothing more special than that!
It’s a perfect opportunity to invite your family or friends to join you for this time spent worshiping Jesus, the reason for the season.
5. Christmas Cards
If you’re planning to send Christmas cards this year, choose cards that proclaim Jesus. What better way to spread the love of Jesus than a beautifully illustrated card that portrays the nativity and a Bible verse that celebrates His birth? Sure, cards with a jolly Santa Claus or a twinkling Christmas tree are delightful. But choose something way more meaningful this Christmas!
Involve your children in crafting these cards to distribute to family and friends. Even through card making, you have another special opportunity to turn your children’s eyes to Jesus. Remember to keep the focus on Jesus to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas in any simple way you can.
6. Giving to Others
Being generous around the holidays is a wonderful way to shower people with the love of Jesus. Get creative in discovering ways to support those in need this holiday season. Involve your children in brainstorming ideas; they may surprise you with some amazing, imaginative ideas!
Consider the well-known charities, such as Toys for Tots or Angel Tree, which provide gifts to children who might not otherwise receive any. Operation Christmas Child is another option, where you fill a shoebox with gifts for a child overseas.
If you know a family in your church or neighborhood who is struggling this year, offer to provide for some of their needs. The ways to give are endless! Find what best works for your family in this season of your life.
Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus. Give to others as if giving to the Lord. Share Jesus’ love through your generosity. And always remember to give with a cheerful heart!
7. Nativity Sets
Display a nativity set in your home; this is a non-negotiable for me! All the holiday greenery and bows and trees and gingerbread-themed adornments are indeed festive, but the nativity should be your focal point.
Acknowledge the roles of the shepherds, the wise men, the angels, Mary and Joseph. You can even act out the Christmas story with your children using the figurines.
We have a kid-friendly nativity, which my kids are allowed to play and interact with, as well as one solely for decorative purposes.
8. Serving Others
Choosing to volunteer at a Christian organization or serving those around you captures the essence of Jesus’ spirit during Christmas. Our aim should be to demonstrate Jesus’ love to others through our actions of giving and serving.
Again, brainstorm ideas with your kids. Ask them these questions: What can you do to serve others this Christmas? How can you specifically show kindness to those around you? Encourage them to find ways to serve their siblings, neighbors, or friends.
Participate in Random Acts of Kindness, the Christmas edition (RACK). Consider the needs of others and ways you can be of service. Some of these ways can be extremely simple, like leaving a kind note for someone or letting someone go before you in line. Often, it’s the simple gestures that count the most!
9. Christmas Devotional
Read a daily Christmas devotional throughout December. Whether as a family evening tradition or during your personal devotional time (or both!), don’t neglect this! Make it a priority in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
This season is an excellent opportunity for growth and deepening your relationship with God. A time to truly understand Jesus and who He is: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
I plan to read “Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always” by Ruth Chou Simons. Her artwork is stunning, and the reviews are outstanding for this specific book.
10. Birthday Cake for Jesus
Why not bake a birthday cake? Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday, after all! Your kids can help decorate the cake and participate in this exciting, yet simple tradition.
Don’t forget to sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, acknowledging that it’s His birthday and is the reason we celebrate this special day.
11. Shepherd on the Search Tradition
Rather than the traditional Elf on the Shelf making an appearance during Christmas, why not consider another tradition? The Shepherd on the Search is an adorable, yet meaningful tradition to embrace this Christmas.
Instead of an elf, a shepherd visits your home, in search of baby Jesus. As he travels around your home in the month of December, he leaves little gifts or notes to help your family concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas.
Our family’s shepherd, named Ezekiel, has visited us every December for the past 3-4 years. The kids are already excitedly discussing his anticipated arrival this year.
Although we try our best to keep the focus on the essence of Christmas, we also enjoy the fun aspects. He does leave little surprises or do silly things, similar to the Elf on the Shelf. If you’re interested in adopting this tradition this year, check out the Dayspring website, which includes more details and ordering information. It’s a decision you’re sure to cherish as a family for years to come!
12. Read the Christmas Story
Set aside adequate time to ready the account of Jesus’ birth in the book of Luke. The best time would be on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, making sure to center your Christmas celebration on Jesus.
I recommend reading directly from the source, the Bible. As a child, before opening presents on Christmas morning, my dad would open his Bible to read. Remember to include the passages about the Angel of the Lord’s visit to the shepherds, who then proceed to worship Jesus. Also, the story of the Wise Men, who brought gifts to Jesus, would be a perfect segue into opening presents as a family.
If you follow the Shepherd on the Search tradition, the shepherd will arrive at the nativity scene on Christmas morning. This can lead into the Bible reading, with the nativity as the focal point. The Christmas story is accessible to children of all ages!
Embrace Jesus This Christmas
What a meaningful Christmas you can have this year! Without missing out on any of the annual Christmas traditions your family loves, you can easily integrate these 12 Christ-centered Christmas traditions into your celebration. This will only lead to enhancing the season’s joy and purpose.
While embracing these wonderful traditions is great, your heart is what matters most.
Is your heart turned towards Jesus? Or do you feel distant from your Lord today? Your Christmas will be significantly more meaningful if you are close to Him and have a genuine relationship with Him.
I encourage you to ponder these questions today. When your heart is right with Jesus, your appreciation and wonder for Him will deepen during the Christmas season. There is truly so much to be in awe of.
Looking for More Christmas Inspiration?
Check out my other blog posts on the same topic: Christmas!
- Need ideas for activities to do with your family this year? Check out THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST.
- Do you need help planning and preparing for the holidays? Read PLAN AND PREPARE EARLY FOR A SIMPLE, STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS.
Wishing you the Merriest Christmas this year!
