I absolutely love Christmas. I love the decorating, the shopping, the baking.  I just love it all! With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to lose focus on the real reason for the season. Listed below are some ways to make sure that you are keeping Christ at the center of Christmas this year:

1. Set up a nativity

My nativity set was given to me by my husband about 15 years ago. It is, by far, my favorite Christmas decoration and it always finds a special spot in my home. It reminds me of why we celebrate Christmas.

Last year, my grandson received the nativity found  here on Amazon. He was so cute because he kept calling it “the farm” and he would make sure that all the animals were always protecting Baby Jesus. It is so important to teach children when they are young what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.

2. Read the Bible story

Speaking of the nativity, that brings me to the next way to keep Christ in the center of Christmas. Luke 2:1-20 is the story of Jesus’ birth. My dad always read the Bible story to us on Christmas morning and I made sure that I passed on that tradition to my children as well.

3. Be a blessing to someone

This time of year, it is easy for kids to focus on everything they want. But let’s remember to teach them that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Maybe they could make cookies and take to a neighbor. Or they could buy a toy with their own money and drop it off in a “Toys for Tots” box. At our church, you can get an “angel” off a tree and buy gifts for a child. It is always good for kids to realize how blessed they are and that they should be a blessing to others.

4. Attend Christmas Eve service

I love the candlelight service that our local church offers. It prepares your heart and mind for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

5. Sing Christmas carols that focus on the birth of Jesus

Songs such as “Oh, Holy Night”, “Away in a Manger” and “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” are just a few that come to mind. If the kids don’t know those songs, you could always sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus!

6. Create a recreation of the nativity

One of the things that I hope to do this year now that the grandkids are getting older is to have a play where they dress up like the characters in the nativity. The angel, wise men, and shepherds along with Mary and Joseph will help them to really remember what Christmas is all about!

7. Talk about the gifts that God has blessed you with

We all know that the best gifts aren’t those that can be bought at a store. The gifts of family, faith and health are the most important gifts. Go around a circle and let every family member talk about a gift that they are so grateful for. Counting your blessings creates in us a joy-filled heart!

There are so many ways that we can make sure that Christ stays at the center of our Christmas celebration.  I pray that you and your family have the merriest of Christmas and that you always remember the reason for the season.

Be blessed,

Vickie