Keeping Christ at the Center of Christmas Celebrations

When you look at a nativity scene, it’s hard to imagine it without Jesus. The shepherds, the manger, the star—they all point to Him. Remove Christ, and the whole scene loses its meaning. The same is true for our celebrations. Can you imagine Christmas without Christ? Yet with all the busyness, traditions, and expectations, it’s surprisingly easy to let everything but Him take center stage. This season invites us to pause, refocus, and make sure our hearts and homes stay centered on the One Christmas is truly all about.

Refocus Your Thoughts on the Reason for the Season

With all the lists, shopping trips, and holiday events, it’s easy for our minds to drift from the quiet miracle at the center of Christmas. The noise of the season can crowd out the very One we’re meant to celebrate. But with a bit of intention, we can gently guide our thoughts back to Christ and let His presence shape the way we celebrate. This year, let’s make room for a Christmas that feels meaningful, worshipful, and rooted in His love. Here are a few simple ways to help refocus your heart and home on Him.

Bring the Christmas Story to Life

There’s something magical about experiencing the story of Christ’s birth in a new way. Gather your family and read the beautiful account from Luke 2:1-20. Pull out a Bible atlas or look up a map online to find Bethlehem. It can be fascinating for kids (and adults!) to see where this incredible event took place and connect it to the world we know today.

For younger children, why not turn the story into a little play? Grab some old sheets for costumes and let their imaginations run wild. Even the family dog can join in as a sheep or donkey! This simple, joyful activity makes the story of Christmas tangible and memorable for everyone.

Create a “Tree of Light” to Share His Glow

Set up a small tree on a tabletop and fill a nearby bowl with star-shaped ornaments. You can buy them or have fun making your own with paper and glitter. At the start of the season, read a verse about Jesus being the Light of the world, like John 8:12: “I am the light of the world.” Place the first star at the very top of the tree.

Then, read Matthew 5:14, which says, “You are the light of the world.” Encourage your family to let Christ’s love shine through them. Whenever someone does a quiet act of kindness, they can hang a star on the tree. It’s a beautiful, visual reminder of how we can all share His light and love with others during the Christmas season.

Give Birthday Gifts to Jesus

What do you give the King of Kings for His birthday? Wrap up a large, empty box and cut a slit in the top. Place it somewhere central with a stack of small paper slips. As a family, brainstorm gifts you could give to Jesus—not material things, but gifts from the heart. It could be a promise to be more patient, an act of service for a neighbor, or a commitment to pray for someone in need.

Have each family member write their “gift” on a slip of paper and place it in the box. On Christmas morning, open the box together and read aloud the beautiful, heartfelt presents the family has given to Jesus. It’s a powerful way to remember that the best gifts we can give are those of love and service.

Prepare a Manger for the Baby Jesus

This is a lovely tradition that builds anticipation for Christmas Day. Place an empty basket or manger near your nativity set, with a pile of straw beside it. Throughout the season, whenever a family member does something kind or makes a small sacrifice for someone else, they can place a piece of straw in the manger.

By Christmas morning, the family will have prepared a soft, warm bed for the baby Jesus, built from their own acts of love. As you place the figure of Jesus in the manger, it becomes a beautiful symbol of how our kindness prepares our hearts to welcome Him.

Adopt a Family in Need

Christmas is the perfect time to extend our blessings to others. As a family, consider “adopting” a local family or child who is going through a difficult time. In addition to shopping for items on their wish list, think about giving spiritual gifts as well—a beautiful children’s Bible, a book of daily devotions, or a simple note of encouragement. This act of generosity teaches compassion and reminds us that we are called to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas, let’s create moments that draw us closer to Jesus, the Baby in the manger. By weaving these simple, meaningful traditions into our celebration, we can ensure that Christ remains the joyful center of our holiday season.