As a mom to a 7-year-old and a 7-month-old, Christmas in my house is a mix of magic, energy, and just a little chaos. My oldest son is captivated by the twinkle of Christmas lights, the excitement of presents, and the joy of holiday traditions, while my baby is still discovering the wonder of the season through wide-eyed stares and grasping at shiny ornaments. In the midst of the fun, though, my heart yearns to keep Christ at the center of our Christmas celebration, ensuring my boys grow up understanding the true meaning of this sacred holiday.
While balancing faith-based traditions with modern-day festivities can feel overwhelming, I’ve discovered a few practical, meaningful ways to help my sons embrace the story of Jesus’ birth and focus on the joy, hope, and love He brought into the world. Whether you’re a seasoned mom or navigating your first Christmas with a little one, here are some ways to make this season Christ-centered for your family.
Start with Storytelling: Making the Nativity Come Alive
For my 7-year-old, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools to teach him about Jesus’ birth. Kids love stories, and the Christmas story is full of wonder: angels appearing in the night, wise men traveling from afar, and a humble stable where the Savior of the world was born.
Begin every Christmas season by reading the Nativity story from the Bible, focusing on Luke 2:1–20. To make it engaging for older kids, incorporate hands-on activities. Act out the story with a kid-friendly Nativity set, assigning roles like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Help them guide the “sheep” (stuffed animals) and shout, “Glory to God!” just like the angels.
For littles, it’s simpler. Let them explore a soft Nativity set, point to the baby Jesus figure, and softly sing “Away in a Manger” as they play. Even though they don’t understand yet, you’re planting seeds of faith early.
Incorporate Christ-Centered Advent Traditions
The countdown to Christmas is always exciting, and an Advent calendar is a great way to channel that enthusiasm while focusing on Jesus. Instead of candy or trinkets, use a Scripture-based Advent calendar. Each day, have them open a card with a Bible verse or simple devotion about the Christmas story.
For example, one day might highlight Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6), while another focuses on the shepherds’ joy when they heard the good news. Discuss what the verses mean and how they connect to Jesus’ birth. To keep it fun, pair each Scripture reading with a simple activity like making star-shaped cookies (to represent the Star of Bethlehem) or drawing pictures of the manger.
My baby may not grasp the concept of Advent yet, but he’s fully engaged in the family atmosphere. Watching his older brother lead prayers and listening to Bible verses is part of shaping his early understanding of Christmas.
Teach Through Acts of Kindness
One of the most tangible ways to teach boys about Jesus’ love is through serving others. My 7-year-old is old enough to understand that Christmas isn’t just about receiving gifts; it’s also about giving. Each year, choose a few ways to give back as a family.
This might look like:
• Packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. My son loves picking out toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to pack for another child in need. As you shop, explain that this simple gift is a way to share Jesus’ love with someone who might not know Him yet.
• Bake cookies for neighbors. Attach a small card with a Bible verse or prayer and hand-deliver them. It’s a simple gesture that teaches the joy of generosity.
• Donating toys. We go through his toy collection and talk about how giving to others mirrors Jesus’ sacrifice and generosity.
Even though my 7-month-old can’t participate yet, I include him by bringing him along and narrating what we’re doing. It’s never too early to model kindness and compassion.
Christ-Centered Decorations and Music
In a world full of Santa Claus and snowmen, make an effort to include Christ-centered decorations in your home. Your centerpiece could be a Nativity scene, prominently displayed so you can refer to it during family conversations about Christmas. My baby has an infant nativity set in his bedroom that he loves to chew on and listen to the angel sing away in a manger. My 7-year-old loves arranging the figures, and it’s a perfect opportunity to retell the story and emphasize Jesus’ role as our Savior.
You could also hang an “Advent wreath,” lighting one candle each week leading up to Christmas. Each candle represents hope, peace, joy, or love—qualities that Jesus brought into the world.
When it comes to music, I make a Christmas playlist includes plenty of Christ-centered carols. Songs like “O Holy Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “Silent Night” tell the beauty of Jesus’ story. My 7-year-old is learning the lyrics, and my baby’s face lights up when I sing them to him.
Celebrate Jesus’ Birthday
A tangible way to help kids connect with the meaning of Christmas is to celebrate it as Jesus’ birthday. On Christmas morning, before diving into gifts, have a “Happy Birthday Jesus” party.
Bake a simple cake or cupcakes and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Older kids would love this tradition and see it as a reminder that Christmas is about celebrating Jesus’ arrival on Earth. Pray together as a family, thanking God for the gift of His Son.
For littles, the sensory experience of the cake and the festive atmosphere create positive associations with this special time.
Lead by Example
The most powerful way to teach my boys about keeping Christ in Christmas is by modeling it myself. They notice when I make time for prayer, when I speak about Jesus with reverence, and when I choose gratitude over stress during the busyness of the season.
During December, I set aside time each morning to reflect on Scripture and pray for peace and joy in our home. My boys may not always see these quiet moments, but they feel the results—when I’m more patient, calm, and intentional, it creates an atmosphere that reflects Christ’s love.
I also make it a point to talk about Jesus in everyday moments. For example, when my 7-year-old asks why we’re donating or serving others, I explain how Jesus taught us to love our neighbors. When my baby is fussy during a busy day, I whisper a quick prayer and remind myself that this season isn’t about perfection—it’s about His grace.
Making Space for Faith in the Chaos
Let’s be honest: Christmas with young kids isn’t always serene. There are tantrums, sugar-fueled energy spikes, and moments when the commercial side of Christmas threatens to take over. But in those moments, I remind myself that Jesus came into a messy, imperfect world to bring peace.
When things feel chaotic, pause with your kids to refocus. This could look like a short prayer as a family, asking God to help you find joy and patience. Step away from the hustle for a quiet moment to read a Bible story or sing a simple worship song.
It’s okay if everything doesn’t go as planned. What matters most is that my boys grow up knowing that Jesus is at the heart of Christmas, and they see His love reflected in our home.
Building Lasting Memories
As my boys grow, I hope the Christ-centered traditions we create will stay with them. I want my 7-year-old to remember our conversations about Jesus’ birth when he sees the Nativity scene or hears “Silent Night.” I want my baby to grow up knowing that Christmas isn’t just about lights and gifts, but about a Savior who loves him deeply.
By keeping Christ in Christmas, I’m not just shaping their faith for the holiday season—I’m laying a foundation they can carry with them for life.
So, this year, whether we’re baking birthday cupcakes for Jesus, reading the Bible together, or simply holding hands in prayer, my goal is simple: to make Jesus the center of our celebration and show my boys the beauty of His love.
And as a mom, that’s the greatest gift I can give them.
How do you keep Christ at the center of your family’s Christmas celebration? I’d love to hear your ideas and traditions!
Boy Mom💙