10 Ways to Keep the Christ in Christmas
Every year I tell myself this will be the year our family slows down, focuses on the true meaning of Christmas, and refuses to get swept up in the gifts, the shopping, the parties, and the constant rush of December. But between church commitments, homeschool schedules, family gatherings, and that never-ending to-do list, it can feel hard to balance what we have to do with what our hearts desperately need — rest, reflection, and a deeper celebration of Advent.
This year, we’re taking an extended break from school so we can breathe a little easier and create room for actual Sabbath… not just the idea of it. If you’ve been longing for a more meaningful Christmas season too, here are 10 Christ-centered Christmas traditions that have helped our family refocus on Jesus over the years. You don’t need to do all of them — simply choose one or two and see if a new tradition naturally takes root in your home.
1. Recreate the Christmas Story
Nothing helps children remember the birth of Jesus like acting it out themselves. Kids can dress up and reenact the story straight from the Gospel of Luke, or use a nativity playset to tell the story in their own words. (We love our Fisher-Price Little People A Christmas Story
There are several to choose from!
2. Go to a Church Christmas Program
Our church has a Christmas Production every year, and we are blessed to live in an area where we have many to choose from. Many churches host musicals, dramas, or candlelight services leading up to Christmas. Attending one as a family is a powerful way to realign your heart with the message of hope, joy, and redemption. This has become one of our favorite ways to mark the beginning of Advent.
3. Bake cookies
A plate of homemade cookies is a simple but meaningful way to bless someone. Bake a batch with your kids, attach a small Christmas note or a scripture, and deliver them to neighbors. This small act of kindness opens doors for connection — and it’s an easy way to invite someone to your church’s Christmas service.
4. Pick an Advent Devotional to read through as a family.
I absolutely LOVE this series by Arnold Ytreeide, and our children love them just as much. They beg for us to read another chapter every night. Start from the beginning of the series with Jotham’s Journey: A Storybook for Advent
5. Sing Christmas Carols
Turn off the lights, light a few candles, and gather together in one room. Sing your favorite Christ-centered Christmas hymns like Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, or O Holy Night. This simple tradition slows everyone down and creates a moment of peace in the middle of December chaos.
6. Have a Movie night
Pick a movie such as The Nativity Story and snuggle up with some popcorn and snacks together.
A movie night is an effortless way to unwind while keeping the focus on the miracle of Jesus’ birth.
7. Have a birthday party for Jesus
Every year we get together to with friends and family on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and celebrate Jesus’ birth with cake and fellowship.
Kids especially love this tradition! On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we gather with friends and family, eat cake, sing, and celebrate the birth of our Savior. It’s a child-friendly way to remind little ones that Christmas is truly Jesus’ birthday.
Fun supplies to elevate your party:
8. Go shopping together as a family
Choose a child or family who could use encouragement and shop for them together. Include your kids in choosing the gifts, praying over the family, and wrapping everything. This is one of the most tangible ways children learn generosity and compassion during the season.
9. Get a Group of friends together to go Christmas Caroling.
Gather a group, pour hot cocoa into thermoses, and head out into your neighborhood. Sing to friends, neighbors, or shut-ins who might otherwise feel forgotten during the holidays. You can even hand out candy canes with scripture tags as a small gesture of joy.
10. Go on a store or mall scavenger hunt
Whether at the mall or around town, look for manger scenes, nativity ornaments, angel décor, or scripture-based displays. As you walk, talk with your children about how easy it is to miss Jesus in a season filled with distractions — and how we can intentionally look for Him in our lives, too.
Keeping Christ in Christmas isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters most. Whether you choose to read an Advent devotional, serve your neighbors, recreate the nativity, or simply slow down long enough to reflect, the goal is to create space for Jesus in your home and your heart.
This year, pick one tradition that speaks to your family. Over time, these small moments become the memories your kids carry into adulthood — ones that reflect the peace, hope, and joy that only Christ brings.
If you’d like more Christ-centered Christmas ideas, homeschool resources, or Advent activities, make sure you’re following along here at Schooling with Grace. Let’s make this season meaningful together.
What traditions do you have in the Advent Season to keep the Christ in Christmas?
If you found these ideas helpful don’t forget to pin them!
Because we all could use a little Christmas Cheer, I’ve partnered with a wonderful group of bloggers to bring you the Christmas Blessings Giveaway. We know the holiday season can be full of both joy and stress, and our hope is to ease that burden just a bit for a few families. We are giving away FOUR $250 gift cards, and the best part is that each winner will get to choose where the gift card is from. Whether it helps with presents, groceries, or something special for you, we pray it brings encouragement and peace this Christmas.
The giveaway runs November 19 through November 28, so be sure to get your entries in before it ends!
To enter, simply use the entry form below. We know it’s a long one, but each blogger personally contributed to make this giveaway happen, and your support means so much. Plus, the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning one of the $250 prizes!
Wishing you a season full of peace, joy, and blessings!
Angela is the Homeschool Encourager for the Overwhelmed & Under-Caffeinated and the Chaos-to-Confidence Specialist behind Schooling with Grace. With a no-fluff approach, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of heart, she helps homeschool moms cut through the chaos, ditch unrealistic expectations, and teach with confidence.