It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. With so much to do and so much pulling for our attention, we can lose the true meaning of this special time of year. Many families wonder how they can make Christ the center of their holiday celebrations. We’ve gathered six ideas to bring your Christmas into focus and invite the spirit of Christ into your home.
Nativity Pageant
Gather your family and friends together to hold a Nativity Pageant. Read through the Christmas story from the scriptures as those in the group act it out. It can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. If you need some help, check out this fun pamphlet. Using simple stage directions, easy-to-find props, and a script that’s straight from the scriptures, this book helps you act out the familiar story of the first Christmas for your friends and family.
Caroling
Nothing brings the spirit like the sound of sacred music. Go caroling to not only brighten your life, but the lives of others. This year, caroling in person may be difficult due to pandemic restrictions. Instead, consider sending a virtual carol on social media or as part of a concert hosted on the conferencing app of your choice.
A Gift for Christ
In this time of giving gifts, we can show our love for Christ by offering gifts to him. Choose a special box to place in your home or under your tree. Take time to sit down and have everyone think of what gift they would like to give Christ in the upcoming year. Keep the box in a visible place all year long. The following Christmas, open the box and see how you did. Then, place new gifts inside.
Traditional Meal
Sit down for a meal like the one Christ and his family may have eaten. A Bethlehem meal was traditionally Mediterranean. Eat fresh nuts and fruits, such as grapes and oranges. Dried dates, feta cheese, olives, and flatbread were also very popular. If you would like a more substantial meal, try fish!
Creche Exhibit
Nativities (creches) are great reminders of Christ’s birth. See if there is a nativity exhibit in your area where you can see different nativity sets from around the world. If there isn’t one, consider starting one in your community. It is popular to set up in cultural halls or other local religious spaces.
Little Lamb of Bethlehem
Have you heard about Elf on the Shelf? Now, learn about the Little Lamb of Bethlehem. The Little Lamb from Bethlehem tells the story of Jesus’s miraculous birth from the perspective of one of the lambs in the stable on that sacred night. The lamb loved baby Jesus, and as they both grew, the lamb promised to share Christ’s story with everyone. Now the Little Lamb can teach your family about the Savior’s life and share ways to follow His example and serve others throughout the Christmas season. Make Christmas more meaningful as you use this little plush lamb to learn of the Savior, serve others, and celebrate the true spirit of the season.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
