Introduction
Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year. The lights, the decorations, the music, and the joy of giving all create a magical atmosphere. But let’s be honest—it’s also easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season.
Between shopping for gifts, planning parties, and squeezing in every festive activity, we can sometimes lose sight of what Christmas is really about: celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
If you’ve ever found yourself at the end of December wondering where the time went and wishing you’d focused more on Christ, you’re not alone. It happens to so many of us, but the good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way this year!
This Christmas, make an effort to keep Jesus at the center of your celebrations. With a little intentionality and some simple, meaningful practices, we can honor Him in every aspect of the season. Whether it’s through family traditions, acts of kindness, or spending time in His Word, there are countless ways to celebrate the true reason for the season.
In this blog, I’ll share 50 practical and inspiring ideas to help you keep Christ in Christmas. Scroll to the end and you’ll find FREE printables, with a direct download. You’ll get 2 versions: 1 simple list with all 50 ideas and 1 complete with explanation of each of the 50 ideas to keep Christ in Christmas.
The tios aren’t just to-dos—they’re opportunities to create a deeper connection with Jesus and infuse your holiday with His peace, joy, and love.
Ready to focus on what really matters this Christmas? Let’s dive in!
Keeping Christ in Christmas Starts with Intentionality
The Christmas season can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of tasks and traditions. In the hustle and bustle, it’s so easy to lose sight of the true reason we celebrate: Jesus Christ.
But keeping Christ at the center doesn’t require a complicated plan. It just takes intentional steps to reflect His love and to remember His incredible gift.
Whether through minor acts or meaningful traditions, we can honor Jesus this season. Let’s explore how we can embrace the true meaning of Christmas together.
Why Focusing on Jesus Transforms Christmas
When Christ is at the center of your Christmas, the season transforms. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of holiday perfection, you find peace and joy in the simple yet profound story of His birth.
It’s a chance to slow down, reflect on His love, and share His light with others.
Centering your holiday around Jesus also impacts those around you. Your family, especially children, will notice where your priorities lie.
The intentionality you bring to celebrating Christ will plant seeds of faith that could last a lifetime.
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50 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas
Start your Christ-centered Christmas tradition today!
Here are 50 inspiring ways to keep Christ in Christmas this year (remember to get your free printable at the end of this blog!):
1. Start Each Day with Prayer: Before the busyness of the day takes over, begin your mornings with prayer. Thank God for sending His Son and ask Him to guide your heart throughout the day. This can be a simple five-minute routine, but it sets a Christ-centered tone for everything you do. It’s also a great way to involve your family—consider a short morning prayer together.
2. Read the Nativity Story Often: Make Luke 2:1–20 or Matthew 1:18–25 a central part of your Christmas season. Read these passages as a family or individually, and reflect on the beauty of God’s plan. Each time you revisit the story, focus on a different part—Mary’s faith, the shepherds’ awe, or the angel’s message of peace. The repetition helps keep Jesus at the forefront of your heart and mind.
3. Celebrate Advent with Intention: Advent is a perfect way to keep Christ central as you count down to Christmas. Use an Advent wreath, calendar, or Advent devotional to focus on themes like hope, peace, and joy. Each day, take a few minutes to reflect on what Jesus’ birth means for you personally. If you have kids, involve them in lighting candles or reading devotionals together.
4. Create a Christ-Centered Playlist: Music is a powerful way to draw closer to God. Create a playlist filled with worship songs and hymns that celebrate Jesus’ birth. Classics like O Come, All Ye Faithful and Silent Night can help you pause and worship during the busiest moments. Play this music during car rides, while cooking, or when decorating to create a worshipful atmosphere.
5. Display a Nativity Scene: A nativity set isn’t just a decoration—it’s a visual reminder of why we celebrate. Choose a set that resonates with you, and place it somewhere prominent in your home. Reflect on each figure in the scene—the humility of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds’ wonder, and the angels’ praise. Consider making this a hands-on tradition by letting your children help set it up.
6. Host a Christmas Bible Study: Invite friends, family, or your church group to study the Christmas story together. Focus on different aspects, such as the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus’ birth or the role of faith in Mary’s response. This can be a weekly gathering or a one-time event with coffee and desserts. Studying the Word together deepens your understanding and keeps Christ at the center.
7. Write Letters to Jesus: Write heartfelt letters to Jesus, expressing gratitude for His love and sacrifice. Encourage your children or loved ones to join you, making it a meaningful family tradition. These letters can be placed under the tree or tucked into a journal. They’re a beautiful way to pause and reflect on what Jesus means to you personally.
8. Give Gifts That Reflect Your Faith: Instead of focusing on flashy or trendy gifts, choose items that point to Jesus. Consider giving devotionals, Christian books, or handmade items that carry a spiritual message. Pair each gift with a note explaining why you chose it, tying it back to the love of Christ. This approach transforms gift-giving into an opportunity to share your faith.
9. Pray as a Family Daily: Set aside time each day to gather as a family in prayer. Thank God for His blessings, pray for those in need, and ask for guidance in keeping Christ central. This can be as simple as holding hands around the dinner table or having a dedicated evening prayer time. Consistent prayer strengthens your family’s spiritual connection.
10. Volunteer at a Local Ministry: Jesus came to serve, and volunteering allows us to follow His example. Spend time at a food bank, homeless shelter, or church outreach program during the season. Bring your family along to teach them the importance of serving others in Jesus’ name. The joy you’ll feel from helping others will deepen your gratitude for God’s blessings.
11. Memorize Scripture Together: Choose a few Bible verses that focus on the birth of Jesus and commit to memorizing them with your family. Verses like Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11, or John 1:14 are perfect for this season. Reciting these verses during mealtime or before bed can make them stick. It’s a simple way to ensure the Word of God becomes a core part of your Christmas traditions.
12. Create a Gratitude List: Reflecting on God’s blessings is a great way to focus on Christ. List the ways He’s been faithful to you throughout the year. Encourage your family to take part by sharing their own blessings. This activity shifts your perspective from material things to the spiritual gifts God provides.
13. Send Christ-Centered Christmas Cards: Choose or create Christmas cards with a simple message about Jesus. Include a Scripture verse and a short, heartfelt message about the hope and love found in Him. Sending these cards is an easy way to share your faith with others while spreading the joy of Christmas.
14. Light Candles to Represent Jesus’ Light: On Christmas Eve or throughout the season, light candles as a family to symbolize Jesus as the Light of the World. As you light each candle, read John 8:12 and discuss how Christ brings light into darkness. This practice can be both symbolic and deeply meaningful, especially if paired with quiet reflection or prayer.
15. Do a Daily Christmas Devotional: Set aside time each day to go through a Christmas-themed devotional. There are many great ones available for individuals, couples, or families. Devotionals help you stay focused on the story of Jesus’ birth and its impact on our lives. This quiet time can become one of the most cherished parts of your Christmas season.
16. Decorate with Meaningful Symbols: Incorporate Christian symbols into your Christmas decor, like stars, crosses, or angels. Each decoration can serve as a visual reminder of God’s love and the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. Share the significance of these symbols with your family, turning decorating into a teaching moment.
17. Attend a Christmas Service: Whether it’s a candlelight service on Christmas Eve or a special worship gathering, attending church is a powerful way to refocus on Jesus. Join in the singing, listen to the sermon, and let your heart be filled with worship. The communal aspect of worship makes this even more impactful.
18. Host a Christ-Focused Gathering: Invite friends or family over for a gathering centered on Jesus. Plan activities like reading the nativity story, singing hymns, or sharing testimonies about God’s faithfulness. This kind of celebration shifts the focus from materialism to the spiritual richness of the season.
19. Bake with a Purpose: If you love baking, turn it into a Christ-centered activity. Make cookies or treats shaped like stars, angels, or crosses, and share them with neighbors or friends along with a note about Jesus’ birth. This simple act of kindness can open the door to conversations about faith.
20. Watch Christian Christmas Movies: There are many family-friendly movies that focus on the story of Jesus or Christian values. Watching these films together can spark meaningful conversations about faith. Some great options include The Nativity Story or animated films that retell the birth of Christ.
21. Share the Nativity Story with Children: If you have little ones, teach them the story of Jesus’ birth in a way they’ll understand. Use a children’s Bible, felt board, or nativity playset to bring the story to life. Engaging them at their level helps them connect with the true meaning of Christmas.
22. Fast and Reflect: Consider setting aside a day or a few meals to fast and focus on prayer during the Christmas season. Use this time to thank God for the gift of His Son and seek His presence. Fasting creates space for spiritual clarity and deepens your connection to Christ.
23. Give to a Christian Charity: Donate to an organization that shares the love of Christ, like Samaritan’s Purse or Compassion International. Research their Christmas initiatives and involve your family in choosing how to give. This act of generosity reflects God’s giving nature.
24. Hang a ‘Jesus Stocking’: Set up a special stocking dedicated to Jesus. Throughout the season, encourage family members to write down acts of love or service they’ve done in His name and place the notes in the stocking. On Christmas Day, read them together and celebrate how you’ve honored Him.
25. Write Down Jesus’ Names: Create a family activity where everyone writes the names of Jesus (e.g., Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Savior). Discuss what each name means and how it reflects God’s character. Display the names somewhere visible to keep them on your mind all season.
26. Create a Christmas Prayer Jar: Set up a prayer jar where family members can write their prayer requests or things they’re thankful for related to Christ. Throughout December, take time to pull out and pray over these notes together. This practice fosters a spirit of gratitude and intercession, keeping your hearts aligned with God’s purposes. It’s also a beautiful way to see how God answers prayers during the season.
27. Incorporate Scripture into Gift Wrapping: When wrapping gifts, use wrapping paper that features Bible verses or Christian symbols. You can also attach small Scripture cards to each present, sharing a meaningful verse about Jesus’ birth or His love. This simple addition turns the act of giving into a moment of sharing faith and spreading the message of Christ’s love.
28. Host a Christmas Carol Sing-Along: Gather your family or friends for a Christmas carol sing-along focused on hymns that celebrate Jesus. Singing together not only brings joy but also reinforces the spiritual significance of the songs. Choose carols like Joy to the World or O Holy Night that emphasize the birth of Christ. This can become a cherished tradition that uplifts everyone’s spirits.
29. Create a Family Mission Statement for Christmas: Develop a mission statement for your family’s Christmas season that centers on honoring Jesus. Discuss and agree on how you want to focus on Christ through your actions and traditions. This intentional approach helps guide your activities and keeps everyone aligned with your spiritual goals. Display the mission statement where it’s visible to remind everyone of your commitment.
30. Share Your Faith Story: Share personal testimonies of how Jesus has impacted your life. Whether around the dinner table or during a family gathering, these stories can inspire and encourage others. Hearing about God’s work in each other’s lives reinforces the importance of Christ during the holiday season. It also creates an atmosphere of openness and faith within your home.
31. Incorporate Acts of Kindness: Throughout the season, perform random acts of kindness in Jesus’ name. Whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee, helping a neighbor, or leaving encouraging notes, these actions reflect Christ’s love. Encourage your family to think of ways they can serve others daily. These small gestures make a big impact and keep your focus on giving rather than receiving.
32. Set Up a Christmas Devotional Corner: Create a special corner in your home dedicated to daily devotionals. Include a Bible, a devotional book, candles, and comfortable seating. This space invites quiet reflection and prayer, allowing you to connect with God amidst the holiday busyness. Make it a family activity to spend time in this corner each day, fostering a collective focus on Christ.
33. Participate in a Christmas Outreach Program: Join your church or community’s Christmas outreach programs, such as visiting nursing homes, distributing gifts to children, or organizing holiday meals for those in need. Actively taking part in these programs shows Christ’s love in action. It also provides opportunities to share the message of Jesus with others, making your Christmas truly impactful.
34. Use Christian-Themed Wrapping Paper and Tags: Choose wrapping paper and gift tags that feature Christian symbols or Bible verses. This subtle yet meaningful detail can spark conversations about faith and the true meaning of Christmas. It also serves as a constant reminder of Jesus’ birth every time you wrap or unwrap a gift. Incorporating faith into your decorations enhances the spiritual atmosphere of your home.
35. Create a Christ-Centered Christmas Countdown: Instead of a traditional Advent calendar, create a countdown that focuses on different aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry. Each day, reflect on a specific attribute or event related to Christ. This intentional countdown keeps your focus on Him and deepens your understanding of His significance. It’s a wonderful way to prepare your heart for Christmas Day.
36. Make a “Jesus is the Reason” Banner: Craft a banner with the phrase “Jesus is the Reason” and hang it in a prominent place in your home. This visual reminder reinforces the central message of your Christmas celebrations. You can involve the whole family in making the banner, adding personal touches that highlight what Jesus means to each of you. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep Christ at the forefront.
37. Incorporate Scripture Reading into Holiday Activities: Integrate Bible reading into your regular holiday activities, such as decorating the tree or baking cookies. Take breaks to read and discuss relevant Bible passages, keeping your focus on the spiritual significance of the season. This practice ensures that even amidst the fun, the Word of God remains a priority in your celebrations.
38. Create a Jesus-Themed Ornament: Make or purchase an ornament that symbolizes Jesus, such as a cross, a star, or a nativity scene. Each year, add this ornament to your tree as a reminder of His birth. Discuss its meaning with your family and the importance of keeping Christ at the center of your holiday decorations. This tradition can become a meaningful part of your Christmas memories.
39. Host a Christmas Prayer Breakfast: Start Christmas Day with a special prayer breakfast, dedicating the morning to worship and gratitude. Share what you’re thankful for and pray for each other and those in need. This peaceful and spiritual start to the day sets a Christ-centered tone for the rest of your celebrations. It’s a beautiful way to honor Jesus right from the beginning of the day.
40. Create a Jesus-Focused Vision Board: Make a vision board that highlights your spiritual goals and aspirations for the Christmas season. Include images, Bible verses, and personal reflections that focus on Jesus and His teachings. Display the vision board in a place where it’s easily seen, serving as a daily reminder of your commitment to keep Christ at the center of your celebrations.
41. Read Christian Christmas Books Together: Choose Christian-themed Christmas books to read as a family. Books like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or The Christmas Story by Sarah Young can provide meaningful insights and discussions about faith. Reading together fosters a shared understanding and appreciation of the true meaning of Christmas, strengthening your family’s spiritual bond.
42. Create a Christ-Centered Photo Album: Compile photos from your Christmas celebrations that highlight Christ-focused activities, such as attending church services, volunteering, or family prayer time. Add captions that reflect on how these moments honored Jesus. This photo album serves as a visual testimony of your commitment to keeping Christ at the center of your holiday season, and it can be cherished for years to come.
43. Make a Jesus-Themed Craft Project: Engage in craft projects that focus on Jesus and the nativity story. Activities like making paper angels, cross decorations, or star garlands can be both fun and spiritually enriching. Crafting together provides an opportunity to discuss the significance of each project and reinforces the true meaning of Christmas creatively.
44. Share the Christmas Story Digitally: Use social media or your family’s digital platforms to share the Christmas story and your faith journey. Post daily reflections, Bible verses, or photos of Christ-centered activities. This not only keeps you accountable but also spreads the message of Jesus’ birth to a wider audience, inspiring others to focus on Him during the season.
45. Organize a Christmas Scripture Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt that involves finding and reading specific Bible verses related to Christmas. Hide verses around your home or yard and provide clues for finding them. This interactive activity makes learning Scripture fun and engaging, especially for children, while keeping the focus on Jesus’ birth and its significance.
46. Incorporate a Daily Blessing: Each day in December, say a special blessing that focuses on Jesus. It could be a prayer of gratitude, a declaration of faith, or a blessing over your family and home. This daily practice keeps your hearts and minds tuned to Christ, making Him an integral part of your daily lives during the holiday season.
47. Create a Christmas Service Project: Develop a service project that your family can work on throughout the season, such as assembling care packages for the homeless or creating handmade cards for those in hospitals. Working together on a project that serves others reflects Jesus’ love and compassion, making your Christmas celebrations more meaningful and impactful.
48. Use Christian-Themed Party Favors: If you’re hosting a holiday party, provide Christian-themed party favors such as Bible verse bookmarks, cross keychains, or small devotionals. These thoughtful gifts serve as reminders of Jesus’ love and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a subtle yet effective way to share your faith with guests in a festive setting.
49. Reflect on Jesus’ Journey: Meditate on the journey Jesus took from His birth to His ministry. Discuss the challenges and triumphs He experienced and how they relate to your own lives. This reflection deepens your understanding of Jesus’ character and His impact on the world, reinforcing why His birth is worth celebrating.
50. End the Season with Thanksgiving: As Christmas comes to an end, hold a special Thanksgiving service or gathering to celebrate what you’ve experienced and learned. Reflect on how keeping Christ at the center has impacted your family and express gratitude for His presence throughout the season. This closure not only honors Jesus but also sets a foundation for carrying His focus into the new year.
Get your free download with a Pdf of the list and a Pdf of the 50 ways to keep Christ in Christmas plus explanations. Click here to download your free printable.
Commit to Making Christ Central All Year
Don’t let your focus on Christ fade after the season ends. After all, Christmas is not just an event—Christmas is a state of mind.
Make a plan to keep Him central in your life throughout the year by setting spiritual goals, like regular Bible reading or serving others consistently.
Keeping Christ in Christmas
Celebrating Christmas with Jesus at the center transforms the season into a time of profound joy, peace, and spiritual growth. These 50 ideas are meant to inspire you to incorporate Christ into every aspect of your holiday—from daily routines to special traditions.
It’s not about perfection, but about intention and love. By choosing to focus on Jesus, you create meaningful memories and deepen your faith, making this Christmas truly unforgettable.
Which of these 50 ways will you try this year?
Share your favorite ideas or new traditions you create to keep Christ at the heart of your Christmas celebrations.
Get here your free printable with 50 ways to keep Christ at the center of Christmas!
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