As Christian parents, it is important to teach kids about the Christmas story, and why it is so special.
When you ask most kids what they think about Christmas, many will probably talk about Santa, elves, reindeer, or presents. While none of those things are bad or wrong to enjoy, we need to make sure they don’t overshadow the fact that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus.
For engaging Christmas-themed activities like Christmas Bible Trivia Questions for Kids, click here.
How do you teach kids about the Christmas story?
1. Get them involved
What is the true message of Christmas? Involve the kids in every step towards the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Let them know from the beginning that the most important thing during this season is the REASON for the celebration, not the presents they will receive.
Kids naturally are going to think about the presents and be excited about them, so it’s important to remind them what Christmas is really about! As you teach the Christmas story to your kids, remind them that just as God gave us the gift of His Son at Christmas, so we should show His love by giving to others.
Get them involved in giving. That can include giving to those in need or giving gifts to those they love.
Let them know that this is the season of giving, not taking. Encourage your children to give gifts and help encourage others.
The way we did this with our kids was by visiting widows from our church. We would take them a plate of goodies that we had baked, and sing Christmas carols at their door. The kids loved doing this, and the widows were blessed, as well.
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Another way to get the kids involved is with a nativity scene. Let your kids help you set it up, and talk about the story of the birth of Jesus as you do so. This is a GREAT visual reminder for them of what His birth was like, and why we celebrate the gift God gave us at Christmas.
2. Watch Christmas movies and videos with them that portray the Christmas story
The Christmas season has countless Christmas-themed movies and videos. Many of these videos are full of lessons that teach the true meaning of Christmas.
The First Christmas: The Birth of Jesus
Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes... in You and Your Kids
Passionate Parenting: Enjoying the Journey of Parenting TeensSolving A Crisis in Christian Parenting: Why so many prodigals?[(Child Training Tips : What I Wish I Knew When My Children Were Young)] [By (author) Reb Bradley] published on (August, 2014)
![[(Child Training Tips : What I Wish I Knew When My Children Were Young)] [By (author) Reb Bradley] published on (August, 2014)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SnOcJL+QL._SL500_.jpg)
Veggie Tales Christmas Collection
Peanut Butter Christmas
Watching a Christmas movie once or twice a week as a family is a simple, fun way to remind the children what Christmas is about, while also making memories as a family.
3. Pray together as a family during the Christmas season
Find some special times during the Christmas holiday to pray with your family. Explain to your kids that Jesus set an example to us by praying to His heavenly Father.
Show them how to pray for others during the Christmas season, while reminding them that praying for others is a simple way to show our love for them.
- Pray for family
- Pray for your church and Pastor
- Pray for your neighbors
- Pray for widows you may know
- Pray for the grumpy cashier
- Pray for the person who offended you
4. Get them Christian books about the birth of Christ and the Christmas story as it is told in the Bible.
Books are a great resource for teaching your kids the true meaning of Christmas. Look for ones that are illustrated with pretty pictures, that your kids will want you to read to them every day. Try to find books that they will just sit down and look at over and over again.
Books about the Christmas story make the birth of Jesus more real to your children.
A great tradition to begin in your family is the 25 Days of Christmas Books for Children. With this, you give the kids 25 books – one a day leading up to Christmas. (use the printable calendar)
With these 25 days of books, you can spend time daily with your children AND remind them that it is all about the birth of Jesus.
You can also read Christmas-oriented Bible verses or have them read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and act it out.
5. Do the fun Christmas things.
Let the kids help with baking & decorating while reminding them that it is like a party to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Give them supplies and encourage them to make cards for the neighbors, their families, the widows you will visit, and others they want to encourage.
Here are some supplies to get your kids excited about making cards for others:
My kids would sit down for hours working on cards to give to each other, as well as to family & friends!
If your kids struggle to come up with their own cards, you can make it easy with this Christmas card kit!
Crafts For Kids That Illustrate the Christmas Story
Your kids will love doing Christmas crafts, and many teach or illustrate the birth of Christ. Here are some of my favorites from Thinking Kids Press:
The Christmas Story Lantern Craft
Jesus, The Light of The World Ornament
Which of these will you use to remind your kids of the Christmas story?
- Get them involved in the preparation and planning
- Watch Christmas movies together
- Pray together as a family
- Give them Christian Christmas books
- Do the fun Christmas things together
With these tips not only will your children remember why we celebrate Christmas, but they will also have fun making memories as they give like Jesus did, and show His love to others!
