5 Simple Ways to Share the Love of Jesus with Your Kids This Christmas

There’s so much beauty in this time of year - the music, the lights, the anticipation. But the pace of December can also be fast and frantic. And if we're not careful, we can breeze past the very heart of Christmas: the arrival of Emmanuel - God with us.

As moms, we carry a deep desire to make this season meaningful for our children. But that doesn’t mean adding more to our plate.

What if this year, we chose a simpler path? What if we shared the love of Jesus through intentional conversations, cozy read-alouds, gentle music playing in the background, and a quiet rhythm of reflection?

Here are five gentle ways to center your family’s heart around Christ this Christmas - no pressure, just presence.

Read Books That Point to Jesus

Snuggle up on the couch or read a story each night by the tree. These gospel-centered books speak to young hearts in language they can understand—full of wonder, truth, and the real meaning of Christmas.

Christ-centered Christmas book ideas:

• The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell

• The Story of God book series by Jennie Allen

• ​Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell

• ​The Promise and The Light by Katy Morgan

• The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Create Gentle, Jesus-Centered Rhythms

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect advent calendar. Simple rhythms and rituals help shape our children’s memories and understanding. Choose one or two meaningful traditions to repeat each week.

Ideas to consider:

• Use printable Advent cards like the ones from Sally Lloyd-Jones

• Try the She Reads Truth Advent Christmas Story for Kids

• Use Dwell’s Kids Advent devotional or family app

• Listen to Annie F. Downs’ Advent podcast for kids (2022)

Fill Your Home with Worshipful Music

Music shapes the atmosphere of our homes. You can fill the background of your days with songs that speak of hope, joy, and the promise of Christ.

Spotify or Apple Music playlists to explore:

• Slugs & Bugs: Sing the Bible Christmas

• Emmanuel by The Worship Initiative

• Advent: Songs for the Waiting

• Peaceful Christmas Hymns playlists

• Instrumental or acoustic carols that calm the mood

Choose Movies That Reflect the Heart of the Season

Holiday movies are often sweet and nostalgic, but it’s also helpful to include a few that carry deeper messages of redemption, sacrifice, or Jesus’ love.

Consider watching:

• David

• The Star

• A Charlie Brown Christmas

• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

• VeggieTales: The Toy That Saved Christmas

Have Heartfelt Conversations Around the Table

Whether it’s after dinner or during a bedtime snuggle, create space for slow, intentional moments. You don’t need a script—just curiosity and presence.

Try asking your kids:

• “What’s one thing you love about Jesus?”

• “How do you think we can show love like Jesus this week?”

• “Why do you think Jesus came as a baby?”

• “What would you tell someone who didn’t know the story of Christmas?”

You don’t have to do all of this. Pick what fits your family. Start small.

Because ultimately, the best way to help our children fall in love with Jesus…is to let them see us doing it first.

Keep singing the songs. Keep reading the story. Keep pointing to the Light.

He came for you. He came for them. And that changes everything.

With you in this holy work,
Melina

Melina is the founder of Melina Kane Coaching, a certified Christian Life Coach in Texas (servicing Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, and Pflugerville). She loves helping Christian women anchor their homes, hearts, and habits in God’s design for their life. She’s an Enneagram 2 + recovering perfectionist who’s never met a stranger, so come say Hi! on Instagram @melinakanecoaching.