Teaching Kids the True Meaning of Christmas: Fun and Faith-Filled Activities

Christmas is a magical time filled with joy, decorations, and gifts. But beyond the festive fun, it’s important to convey the true meaning of Christmas to children. At its heart, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Understanding this deeper meaning helps children appreciate the holiday beyond just receiving presents, which can lead to materialism and detract from the values of love, generosity, and gratitude that Christmas embodies. Here are some tips and activities to help you share the story of Christmas and its significance with your little ones: 

Understanding the True Meaning of Christmas 

• Tell the Story of Jesus’ Birth: Start with the nativity story. Explain how Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem, emphasizing the themes of love, hope, and giving. Use a children’s Bible or a storybook to make it more engaging. 
• Discuss the Symbols: Explain the significance of common Christmas symbols. For example, the star represents the Star of Bethlehem, the candy cane can symbolize the shepherd’s staff, and the evergreen tree is known to signify eternal life. 
• Focus on Giving: Highlight the importance of giving rather than receiving. Share stories of the wise men bringing gifts to baby Jesus and encourage your children to think about what they can give to others. 

Fun and Educational Activities 

• Nativity Scene Arts & Crafts: Instead of building a gingerbread house, build a nativity scene using craft materials. This hands-on activity helps children visualize the story of Jesus’ birth. 
• Craft a Shining Star! The Star of Bethlehem guided the wise men to Jesus. Make your own star decorations together! You can use cardboard, glitter, or even construction paper.  Talk about the significance of the star and how it represents following the light of Jesus. 
• Christmas Carol Sing-Along: Sing Christmas carols that tell the story of Jesus, such as “Silent Night” or “Away in a Manger.” Discuss the songs’ history, lyrics, and their meanings. 
• Bake a Birthday Cake for Jesus: Kids love birthdays! Use this connection to explain that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. Bake a special “birthday cake” for Jesus, sing carols that celebrate his arrival, and even make handmade cards expressing gratitude for his gift. 
• Acts of Kindness Calendar: Create an advent calendar with daily acts of kindness. Each day, your child can do something nice for someone else, reinforcing the spirit of giving.  
• Read Christmas Books: Reading children’s bibles or age-appropriate children’s books about the nativity story is a wonderful way to introduce young minds to the characters and events surrounding Jesus’ birth.  You can even create a special reading corner decorated with festive lights, stuffed animals representing the nativity scene, and cozy blankets. 

Recommended Titles on UP Faith & Family 

To further encourage these discussions, here are some kid-friendly titles available on UP Faith & Family that highlight the true meaning of Christmas: 

• The King – In this live musical, two young angels discover the mission of their beloved King and while at first disillusioned, they soon learn His mission of mercy and forgiveness is the world’s only hope. 

• Candle in the Window – In this short film – After Molly dies, her husband and three young daughters struggle to face their first Christmas without her. But eight-year-old Emily is convinced her mother will come and visit her at Christmas. 

• Jesus Wonder series, Season 1, Episode 1 Jesus Christ is Born – This animated series that will delight & inspire children of all ages details the life, ministry and miracles of Jesus. In this episode, an angel goes to Mary and explains that she has gained favor with God and will now birth a son that she is to name Jesus; he will be great and God will give him the throne of David; his kingdom will never end (Luke 1:28-33). 

• Believe — A small-town business owner struggles with the responsibility of funding the annual Christmas pageant until he meets a joyful boy who believes in miracles. 

Want more educational content? Explore our partner Minno! Minno is the leading voice around the globe for using media to spark kids’ imaginations and curiosity around God and the Bible. They connect families through media that creates shared faith experiences, supporting parents and grownups, and paving the way for enduring spiritual growth in children. 

By incorporating these stories and activities, you can help your children understand and appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. These activities are not only educational but also offer a chance to build special, treasured traditions that will last longer than any gift, making the holiday season even more special for your family. For more Christmas titles that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, explore the Spirit of the Season collection on UP Faith & Family!