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'Tis the Season for Jesus: Keeping Christ at the Center of Christmas
The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it a whirlwind of shopping, presents, and cherished traditions. But in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to lose sight of the true reason we celebrate Christmas: Jesus. We often say, "Jesus is the reason for the season," but how often do we reflect that truth in the way we celebrate? As busy moms, the pressures of the season can be overwhelming—so much to do, so little time, and the constant need to make everything perfect.
From matching pajamas and holiday parties to baking cookies, Elf on the Shelf, and visits with Santa, the to-do list seems endless. And then there's the pressure from society, family, and even our kids, with their Christmas lists full of the latest gadgets and must-have toys. It’s easy to feel like we’re running on empty, trying to juggle it all.
While these traditions can bring joy, they can also leave us feeling frazzled. So how can we shift the focus back to Jesus and ensure He remains the heart of our celebrations? I believe the key is intentionality. It's about making a conscious choice to slow down, let go of perfection, and focus on the precious moments God has given us with our families.
Here are some meaningful ways we’ve made Christmas about Jesus over the years:
1. Daily Scripture Readings
We love reading a special version of Scripture that pairs Old Testament prophecies with their New Testament fulfillment, helping us see the story of Christ woven throughout the Bible. This tradition helps us keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. Read a Christmas Book Series as a Family
One of our favorite traditions is reading the series by Arnold Ytreeide. The four-book series, one for each year, never fails to spark excitement in our home—my kids often beg for “just one more chapter!” We make this time extra special by lighting the advent candle, sipping tea, and enjoying a snack. It’s not always perfect—sometimes messy or noisy—but that’s okay. The joy of being together in the moment is what matters most.
3. Memorize Verses that Tell the Christmas Story
We’ve made it a fun challenge to memorize a new verse each week in December. One of our favorite resources is the Seeds Kids Worship album,Joy, which focuses on scripture that tells the story of Christ’s birth. After learning four verses, we celebrate as a family. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11).
4. Keep Gifts Simple
Sometimes, less really is more. Rather than focusing on the size or price of a gift, we try to emphasize the thought and love behind it. Simple, meaningful gifts can bring just as much joy—if not more—than extravagant ones.
5. Encourage Kids to Make or Save for Gifts
There's something truly special about giving from the heart. We encourage our children to either save their allowance or make handmade gifts for family members. It’s a great way to teach the joy of generosity and the value of giving.
6. Adopt a Family in Need
Christmas is the perfect time to teach our children the importance of generosity. One tradition we’ve started is adopting a family in need. We involve our kids in creating homemade gifts or preparing a meal together, helping them learn the true spirit of Christmas. “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40).
7. Host a Shepherd’s Dinner
On Christmas Eve, we move the furniture, dim the lights, and enjoy dinner by candlelight on the floor, just like the shepherds might have done the night the angels appeared to them. The meal is simple—just like what they would have had—but the focus is on what truly matters: celebrating the miracle of Jesus’ birth.
In the midst of all the holiday fun, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. But by being intentional, we can make sure that Jesus remains the center of our celebrations.
How do you keep Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season?
Theresa Whiteford
Theresa Whiteford is a wife to Phil and mom to seven. She resides in the Nashville area with her family. She homeschools her kids and has been a huge fan of Seeds Kids Worship for many years. Her greatest delight is seeing and hearing the effectiveness of her children singing God’s Word.
