Christian Christmas Traditions
Families want a Christmas that points to Jesus, not just shopping and noise. Below you’ll find Scripture-rooted ideas that are simple to start, easy to repeat, and meaningful enough to keep. If the season feels heavy, pray through our Christian prayers for family strength as you choose the traditions that fit your home.
23 Christ-Centered Traditions Your Family Can Try
This guide offers simple ways to keep Jesus at the center of Christmas. Each item is concise, actionable, and easy to share.
This list organizes Christmas traditions by worship, symbols, service, and family fun, allowing you to stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.
What’s In This Blog
Should Christians celebrate Christmas
Worship and Scripture
Symbolic traditions that point to Jesus
Family and community activities for all ages
Films and music that reinforce the story
Kid activities by age group
A quick setup plan for busy families
Gift ideas that still point to Christ
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
A common question that’s emerging is “Should Christians celebrate Christmas?” While scripture doesn’t command it, faithful believers often find themselves on both sides of the issue. We can look to Romans 14:5-6 for guidance: be convinced in your own mind and do it unto the Lord. If you celebrate, aim everything you can at Jesus by implementing Christian Christmas traditions. If you abstain, do so with charity and compassion. Either way, let love lead.
What are some common Christian traditions?
Common Christian traditions cluster around four themes: worship and scripture, symbols that point to Christ, service that blesses neighbors, and shared moments that tie the story to memory.
Worship and scripture
1. Advent readings at home
Light a candle, read a short passage (Isaiah 9; Luke 1-2; John 1), and close with a one-sentence prayer.
2. Read Luke 2 on Christmas Eve
Let each person read a verse, then speak one specific thanks to God. If December feels stressful, turn to Christian prayers for family strength for a guided prayer.
3. Two hymns together
Keep it simple. Sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Short is sustainable.
Symbolic traditions
4. Build the nativity slowly
Add one figure per day. Place Jesus on Christmas morning to mark the gift of His arrival.
5. Ornaments that testify
One of the more festive Christian Christmas traditions is choosing a small set with meaning: a star (guidance), an angel (announcement), a crown (King), and “Joy to the World.”
6. The three-gift pattern
Echo the magi: Give three gifts, a big/special gift to represent the gift of gold, a book or candle for frankincense, and something practical for myrrh.
Family and community activities
7. Advent calendar with scriptures and treats
Each day when you find a sweet, you can also discover a new Bible verse about God’s Love for us.
8. Read the story of Jesus’ birth.
Our founder's father would read the Christmas story every Christmas Eve, and then she and her siblings would exchange one gift in the spirit of giving, just like the wise men.
9. Letters to Jesus
Each person writes a promise or prayer to Jesus; seal them and open them next Christmas. Capture key verses in a church notes notebook so they don’t get lost.
10. The Giving Manger
Add a “straw” for every act of kindness through December; place Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning. Younger kids love seeing kindness “make a bed” for the Savior.
11. Letters to each other as a Christian Christmas tradition
Slip a short handwritten note into stockings. Over time, you build a quiet archive of encouragement.
12. Christmas breakfast for others
Save up change year-round to bless your server with an oversized tip, bring treats to first responders, or invite students far from home to your table.
13. Christmas Jar
Save change throughout the year and give it anonymously to a family in need. Let your kids help choose the recipient.
14. Caroling with purpose
Visit a nursing home or an assisted living center. Mix hymns with one familiar carol so that residents can join.
15. Paper Chain Christmas Story
Write the story of Jesus’ birth on paper chains, and read a slip a day as you count down to Christmas.
Family-friendly movie night
Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas for Linus’s speech about the true meaning of Christmas.
Enjoy the stop motion classics: The Little Drummer Boy & Nestor, the Long-Eared Donkey.
Consider watching Jack Frost. While not overtly Christian, it’s the tale of an immortal being who comes to Earth for love and sets aside his own desires if it means others can experience love too.
Christian Christmas Traditions For Kids By Age
Try one age-fit idea at a time. The goal is small, repeatable wins that point to Jesus.
Ages 0-3
Offer safe, touchable traditions: soft nativity scenes, tissue-paper garlands, simple ornaments, and cookie decorating. Tell the story as they play.
Ages 4-7
Card basket at dinner: pull one card from the mail each night and pray for that family. Make a paper-chain nativity and read one link a day.
For ages 8-12
Pick a country and learn how believers there celebrate; do they have their own carols or traditional dances? Try a dish and pray for the church in that place.
Ages 13-18
Let teens plan the service project or caroling route. Maybe they're responsible for choosing this year’s recipient of an Angel Tree or Toys for Tots from your family.
Keep Christ at the Center
Christian Christmas traditions don’t have to be elaborate. Select a few that focus your home on Jesus, repeat them next year, and allow the meaning to deepen. If you want to anchor the season in scripture and prayer, our Christian gratitude journal helps you gather verses, thanks, and reflections in one place.
Still Need a Gift?
Purchase our prayer journal to guide your loved ones through Bible study, thanksgiving, and daily prayers during Advent and beyond. Keep Christ central and your practices simple.
More Thoughtful Gifts
When you want gifts that serve faith and real life, think useful and meaningful:
Local, practical, and thoughtful: browse guide Mom-to-Be Gifts in Kansas City.
A notebook he’ll actually use: our church notes notebook keeps sermons, readings, and prayer lists together.
A journal she’ll keep close: sermon notes journal captures Scriptures and applications through the season.
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