Different Ways to Enjoy the True Meaning of Christmas

1. The Book of Luke

Start reading the book of Luke on December 1st. There are 24 chapters, so if you read one a day, by Christmas Eve, you will have read about Jesus’s birth and his life.

2. Displaying a Nativity

As you are putting up your nativity, put on some soft music and reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

3. A Nativity Display

Some towns have a nativity on display in the town square. If your town does this, go enjoy it. If not, see if the next town over does.

4. A Nativity Play

Churches often have Christmas pageants about the nativity. Either go to your place of worship or find a church in the area that hosts a Christmas play. Even better, if you can get involved in the one your church is putting on, go for it. Volunteer to help with costumes, set design, script-writing, acting, hosting concessions and tickets the night of the performance, etc.

When I was a kid, we attended a church that put on a drive-through nativity and it was awesome!

5. Extra Christmas Services

Plan to attend several church services this Christmas season, both at your home church and other churches as well. Every church does Christmas differently, meaning some have pageants and plays, others have regular services, and others have Christmas Eve services. 

6. A Movie about Jesus’s Birth

Gather the family around with snacks and blankets to watch a movie about the true meaning of Christmas. Some suggestions include The Nativity Story (2007), The Star (2017), Veggie Tales: The Best Christmas Gift (2019), and A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965).

7. A Christmas Story Book

On Christmas Eve, get your little ones all settled into bed and read a book about the Christmas story. This is a great way to remind them of what the true meaning of Christmas is before they drift off to dancing sugar plums in their heads. It also helps strike the perfect balance between Jesus and the excitement of Santa, if you celebrate this way.

8. Helping Others

Jesus is about love and giving, so take some time to look around and see who needs help. This could be helping a neighbor or friend do something physical or time-consuming. For example, helping an older neighbor hang their outside Christmas lights or helping a friend bake cookies for after the Christmas church service.

It could be helping a favorite charity by donating money or gifts (think Toys for Tots, The Salvation Army Angel Tree, or Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child). 

You could also donate your time somewhere that holds a special place in your heart, like a homeless shelter, animal shelter, or children’s home, to name a few ideas. 

9. Your Testimony

If you get the chance this holiday season, share your testimony with someone and proclaim all that the Lord has done for you.

10. Jesus as the Focus

Try not to get caught up in the “consumerism” of the season and, instead, keep your eyes focused on Jesus. We can do this by praying daily, reading our Bible every day, and keeping the local Christian music station on in the car.

Knowing that you will need extra time to read about the birth of Jesus, make a plan to help keep him the focus during this season. Read the Bible on your commute or listen to an audiobook of the Bible; pray in those small pockets of time like waiting in line at the store or for the kids at school pickup, etc.

11. Shepherd on the Search

Forget the Elf on the Shelf. Shepherd on the Search is a great way to keep Christ in Christmas by helping your Shepherd find his way to the manager and baby Jesus. You can find out more details at www.shepherdonthesearch.com.

12. Financial Boundaries

Be clear with friends and loved ones about spending caps on things like gifts and other restrictions that take away from your goal of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. 

13. Limited Screen Time

Limit screen time during this holiday season for everyone in the family, not just the kids. Then spend some time as a family reflecting on Jesus. 

14. Quiet Time with the Lord

Block out some time every day to spend time alone with the Lord to talk. Let your friends and family know that you are unavailable at this time. You can also use small pockets of time as well, like while you are in the shower, doing your makeup, or waiting for the kids to get out of school.

15. Advent Wreath

Get an advent wreath and candles in the following colors: 3 purple and 1 candle that is rose-colored, red, or pinkish. These four candles represent the four weeks of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas) and symbolize a total of 4,000 years from the time Adam was created to the birth of Jesus. Start lighting the candles the fourth Sunday before Christmas, counting down to Christmas day. 

The first and second purple candles represent hope and faith. The third pink candle represents joy and the final purple candle marks the last week of Advent as we get ready to celebrate Jesus’s birth.

16. Advent Calendar

Get an advent calendar to help your kids countdown to the birth of Jesus. These calendars come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve seen ones that sit on the table and have a piece of chocolate for each day, and I’ve seen ones that hang on the wall as well. 

When I was a kid, my grandmother made me one that hung on the wall and put a little toy in the pocket for each day. Each morning, my mom and I would talk about counting down to the birth of Jesus and then I would see what was inside the pocket. I loved that as a kid!

There are many ways we can celebrate the true meaning of the season. Whether we are serving at church, celebrating with our families, helping others, teaching our kids about Jesus, or spending sacred quiet time with him. Each way we choose to celebrate the true meaning of the season turns our hearts and eyes on him while drawing us closer to him. Take some time today to figure out how you are going to focus on him this season to have a happier, more peaceful Christmas.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Gareth Harper