7 Simple Christ-Centered Christmas Traditions to Bring Jesus Back Into Your Home

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year—especially with little ones. They add such a magic to it all. The love of looking at the tree, the magic, the hush of early mornings, the soft magic that fills every corner of our home—it’s contagious. Santa still stops by, and we love all the cozy Christmas crafts and cocoa moments, but my husband and I are intentional about keeping Christ at the center of our celebration.

Kids are little sponges. When we begin teaching them early why we celebrate Christmas, we give them a foundation of faith that lasts far beyond wrapping paper and candy canes. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated or Pinterest-perfect.

This post is all about Christ-centered Christmas traditions for kids.

1. Read the Nativity Story Before Gifts

Before a single gift is touched or unwrapped, we gather together and read the story of Jesus’ birth. My mom did this with us growing up, and now I do it with my kids. Stockings are fair game first thing in the morning (tradition!), but once everyone is awake—we pause, open the Bible, and remember the true Gift.

Because my kids are still little, we’ve been using a sweet Nativity puzzle book the past couple of years. Each page has a puzzle piece that reveals more of the Christmas story—perfect for tiny hands and little hearts.

2. Act Out the Nativity Scene

When I was growing up with five siblings, Christmas Eve meant bathrobes, makeshift halos, and someone inevitably fighting over who got to be Mary. These days, with 4 little ones (and not-quite-cooperative ages), we keep it simple.

We use a kid-friendly Nativity playset they can touch, move, and play with all season long. You can reenact the Nativity with toys, stuffed animals, Barbies—even by drawing and coloring the story together. It doesn’t have to be fancy to plant seeds of truth.

3. Share the Candy Cane Story

While decorating the tree, I love telling the kids the candy cane analogy—a simple way to tie a favorite Christmas treat to Jesus. The shape of a shepherd’s staff, the red stripes for His sacrifice, and the white for His purity. It’s easy, meaningful, and something even toddlers can remember. And having a tasty treat to paint the picture for kids is helpful.

4. Play Christ-Centered Christmas Music

Music can shape the atmosphere of our home. While we bake, clean, or sip hot cocoa, I turn on Christ-centered Christmas songs. Pentatonix has beautiful Jesus-focused covers, and Mary, Did You Know? Gets me every time. After delivering 4 children the line of “this Child that you delivered will soon deliver you” gives me goosebumps.

Filling your home with worship during December reminds our kids (and us) what all this celebrating is truly about.

5. Look at Christmas Lights & Talk About Jesus, the Light of the World

Pack up the kids in pajamas, grab some hot chocolate, and drive around to look at Christmas lights. While the lights twinkle outside, talk about how Jesus is the Light of the World. Simple, sweet, and so full of wonder.

You can even ask your kids how they can shine His light—by helping others, being kind, and sharing love.

6. Keep the Conversation Going

My four-year-old asks every time a new song plays, “What is this one about?” And just like that—a moment to talk about Jesus.

Faith doesn’t need to be a formal lesson. It can be snuggled in the quiet moments, while driving, while baking cookies. Little conversations add up. Kids are smarter then we give them credit for. Continuing talking about Christ, and being open to questions is huge.

7. Let the Kids Choose Toys to Donate

Each year, we ask our girls to pick a few toys to donate to kids in need. It makes space for new gifts and teaches generosity in a world that often shouts more. My husband and I donate our own things at the same time so the kids see us modeling giving, not just talking about it.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Christ in Christmas

It doesn’t have to be perfect or polished. It just has to be intentional. Which is most of parenting. Be thoughtful and purposeful. It doesn’t need to be instagram worthy to be impactful

Read the story.
Play the music.
Talk about Jesus.
Give generously.
Let lights and candy canes and nativity scenes remind little hearts of a big Savior.

Because Christmas isn’t about making everything magical—it’s about remembering the One who came to make all things new.