7 Ways To Keep Christ In Christmas

If you have been reading Simply Clarke throughout December, you have probably seen multiple things that are on my “Christmas Bucket List”. There is something so magical about Christmastime and all of the festivities. I will admit that it feels even more fun and magical with a little one running around now. I instantly knew several things I wanted on our “bucket list” to do as a family like putting up our Christmas Tree, looking at Christmas lights, walking around our outside mall at night to see the decorations, making Christmas cookies, and attending our Christmas Eve service are just a few things on my list. But, I also know I want to put traditions in place to keep Christ in Christmas. It is easy and fun to get caught up in all the shopping, wrapping, parties and good food, but I want to be sure we really show Brooke the true meaning of Christmas. Here are a few ways to keep Christ in Christmas this holiday season:

Set Up A Nativity

A tree is great, I love a Christmas tree. I love sitting on the couch in the early morning, sipping coffee and enjoying the lights, but a nativity is important too. It helps show your child the significance of Christmas and gives them a visual of Christ’s birth. It is also a great reminder for you as an adult as well! Here a few kid friendly Nativity sets: Little People Nativity, Melissa & Doug Wooden Set or Nativity Peg Puzzle.

Read About the Birth of Jesus

At Kevin’s grandmother’s house, we always read the story of the birth of Jesus before opening gifts. I love this sweet tradition. It is such a great reminder that He is the greatest gift before opening gifts. You can also take time to read the story once a week leading up to Christmas Day with your family.

Attend Christmas Eve Service

Be sure to make your church’s Christmas Eve service as a family! I say as a family because working in Children’s Ministry, I see a big trend of children not actually attending church with their parents very often. It is so so special to have family worship, especially on a day like Christmas Eve. It will be so magical for your child to experience the singing and the message (even if they are too young to quite understand, they will see the experience).

Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus

You can even have a cake, cookie cake, or pie to celebrate His birth! This a very fun tradition and really helps kids connect to the meaning of Christmas.

Practice Giving

Actively practice giving. If you don’t have kids yet, you can still give by yourself or with your spouse. If you have kids, it is a great time to show them about giving to others. You can bake cookies for your neighbors and leave them on their doorstep, or sing carols at a local assisted living home, you can even take them to buy coats for a child their age and donate them. There are so many great options this time of year to show love for others.

Play Christmas Music

Play Christmas music throughout your house. There are a lot of great Christmas hymns and traditional Christian Christmas music out there. It will put your house in a festive mood and bring your mind back to Christ.

Keep It Simple

Christmas time is full of fun events and things to do, but be sure to keep it simple. Don’t stress over gifts and to do lists. Really focus on what Christmas is truly about and set the tone for your family.

Overall, you can put different traditions in place to keep Christ in Christmas, but what truly matters is your heart. It is good to be faithful in doing “things” and intentionally seeking to keep Christ first, but your heart has to be in it, you can’t just go through the motions. Strive to keep Christ first in your life and pray for His help and guidance. I hope you each have a Merry CHRISTmas!!!