Hey there,
Every year, we hear the phrase, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
We see it on mugs, cards, and Instagram posts. But let’s be honest — it’s easy to get lost in the busyness of Christmas. The shopping lists, lights, cookies, and endless wrapping can fill our days so much that we forget to pause and think about why we’re celebrating.
A few years ago, I remember sitting on Christmas Eve surrounded by gifts, food, and decorations — but my heart felt empty. I had prepared everything except my heart. That night, I realized that Christmas without Jesus at the center is just another busy holiday.
If you’ve ever felt that way, too, you’re not alone. The good news? We can bring our focus back to the One who started it all. Here are ten simple, heartfelt ways to make Christmas truly about Jesus this year.
10+1 ways to make Christmas about Jesus
1. Begin Advent with Intention
Advent is a beautiful time to slow down and prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming. Instead of rushing through December, we can use these weeks to reflect on hope, peace, joy, and love — the gifts He brings.
You can read one Bible verse each day leading up to Christmas. Or light an Advent candle each Sunday while saying a short prayer. It doesn’t need to be fancy or perfect.
You could start with this verse:
“The angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” — Luke 2:10–11
These few minutes of reflection can turn an ordinary December day into a sacred moment.
2. Read the Christmas Story Together
Before the gifts and the food, take time to open your Bible and read the story of Jesus’ birth.
You can find it in Luke 2:1–20 or Matthew 2:1–12.
Read it out loud with your family, your kids, or even by yourself with a warm cup of coffee.
If you have little ones, let them hold the nativity figures or act out the story. You’ll see their eyes light up as they understand what Christmas really means — the birthday of our Savior.
When we read the story together, it reminds us that this is not just a fairytale. It’s the most powerful love story ever told.
3. Give in Jesus’ Name
Gift-giving is beautiful when it comes from a place of love.
But sometimes we get caught in the pressure of finding the “perfect” present. This year, try to give differently — give in Jesus’ name.
You can:
- Donate to a local food bank or shelter.
- Sponsor a child through a ministry.
- Buy a Christmas dinner for a struggling family.
Or start a “giving jar” in early December. Each family member can add a few coins or dollars, and together you decide who to bless before Christmas Day.
Jesus said,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
When we give with love, we reflect the very heart of Christmas.
4. Create a “Jesus Stocking”
This is one of my favorite traditions.
Hang an extra stocking by the fireplace and label it “Jesus.” During December, every family member can add small notes — thank-you prayers, acts of kindness, or ways they’ve seen God’s goodness.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, open the stocking and read the notes aloud.
You’ll be surprised how meaningful it becomes to hear your loved ones thank Jesus for simple things — health, friendship, laughter, and love.
It’s a humble, beautiful way to give back to the One who gave us everything.
5. Decorate with Meaning
I love a sparkly Christmas tree and twinkling lights, but this year, let’s add decorations that remind us of Jesus.
Place a small nativity scene at the center of your home. Add an ornament shaped like a cross or write short Bible verses on paper stars to hang on the tree.
You could even create DIY ornaments with verses like:
- John 1:14 — “The Word became flesh and lived among us.”
- Isaiah 9:6 — “For to us a child is born…”
These small touches turn our homes into spaces that quietly whisper His name.
6. Play Worship Christmas Music
Music has a special power to touch our hearts.
This Christmas, fill your home with songs that celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Instead of only playing fun holiday tunes, mix in worship songs like “O Holy Night,” “Mary, Did You Know?” or “Light of the World.”
Turn up the volume while baking cookies or wrapping gifts. Sing along with your kids or dance in the kitchen. Let joy fill your home!
Every lyric about His love can turn an ordinary December afternoon into a worship moment.
7. Start Christmas Morning with Prayer
Before the stockings are opened or the coffee starts brewing, take a few minutes to pray together.
Thank Jesus for coming into the world, for the gift of salvation, and for His love that never ends.
You can read this short verse:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. The government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6
It doesn’t have to be long — just heartfelt.
Starting your day with prayer sets the tone for a Christmas filled with peace and gratitude.
8. Share the Good News with Others
Christmas is the perfect time to share your faith in a gentle and loving way.
Here are a few simple ways to do that:
- Add a Bible verse to your Christmas cards or gift tags.
- Post a short Christmas prayer or Scripture on social media.
- Invite a friend or neighbor to a Christmas church service.
You never know how one small act of sharing can plant a seed in someone’s heart.
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” — Mark 16:15
Even in small ways, we can remind others that the story of Christmas is the story of God’s love.
9. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness
When the day is over and the lights grow dim, take a moment to sit quietly and think about God’s goodness this past year.
You can do this with your family or independently.
Ask questions like:
- How has God answered my prayers this year?
- What blessings has He given me that I didn’t expect?
- Where have I seen His hand at work?
Write them down in a journal or gratitude notebook.
This reflection turns your focus away from the noise and back to the One who never stops being faithful.
10. Bake a Birthday Cake for Jesus
This idea is fun, especially if you have kids (or if you just love cake!).
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, bake a birthday cake for Jesus and celebrate His birthday.
Gather around the table, light candles, and sing “Happy Birthday, Jesus.”
Before you eat, invite everyone to share one thing they love about Jesus or one way they’ve seen His love this year.
You can pray together, thanking Him for coming into the world to bring light, hope, and salvation.
This sweet tradition helps remind everyone — young and old — what we’re really celebrating: the birth of our Savior.
+1 Keep Jesus in the Center All Year
When Christmas ends, it’s easy to pack up the decorations and move on. But Jesus’ love isn’t seasonal.
The message of Christmas — hope, joy, peace, and love — is meant to stay with us all year long.
Keep Him at the center by:
- Reading your Bible daily.
- Practicing kindness and forgiveness.
- Beginning and ending your days with prayer.
“The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14
Let every day be a little Christmas — a reminder that God is with us.
As you plan your holiday traditions, remember: every small moment that honors Jesus brings His light into your home.
- How to Bring God’s Word into Your Daily Routines – Discover simple, everyday ways to stay close to God — even during the busiest season.
- Christian Routine: Start and End Your Day with Jesus – Create peaceful morning and evening habits that help you feel His presence all day long.
These faith-filled habits can help you stay centered on Christ — not only at Christmas but throughout the year.
If you’re looking for more lifestyle tips, feel free to explore my Pinterest page as well!
Final Thoughts
Christmas is so much more than gifts, glitter, or perfect photos.
It’s the celebration of a King who came down to us in love — a Savior who brought light into our darkness.
When we make room for Jesus in our traditions, in our homes, and in our hearts, Christmas becomes more peaceful, joyful, and meaningful.
This year, let’s slow down. Let’s give, pray, and worship with purpose.
Because Jesus is the reason for the season — and He is also the reason for our hope, every single day.
The Bible verses in this post are quoted from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.
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