“Christmas has become too commercialised. It’s too secular now.”

“It’s all about Santa and shopping, but what about the Saviour?”

“Already? It’s only the beginning of November, and the decorations are up!”

Confession time. I complain about Christmas from October through the end of December. And, perhaps, you might agree with these sentiments. After all, Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

But how do you keep Christ in Christmas when you’re already waist deep in the hustle and bustle—decorating trees, shopping for the perfect gifts, Christmas carolling and nativity plays, hosting family and friends, cooking and baking…

Here are some suggestions to reframe your focus so that you can keep Christ as the centre of your Christmas activities and enjoy it in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Decorating The Christmas Tree

As the centrepiece of Christmas decor, the Christmas tree is a great place to showcase the true reason for the season. You can tell the Christmas story through nativity-themed ornaments. As you string the lights, remember Jesus is the light of the world. And, when you get to the top of the tree, whether you prefer a star or an angel, think about the night Jesus was born. Tell your children about the star the wise men followed or the angels that announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. Every time you look at your Christmas tree you will see Jesus and the joy He brings.

Watching Christmas Films

The Nativity Story, The Star, and The Ultimate Gift are popular Christian Christmas films. But even those about elves, reindeer, and snowmen can spark conversations about faith, hope, and God’s love at work. So, pop the popcorn, pull up your favourite streaming service, and enjoy a great family night.

Shopping & Buying Gifts

God gave us the most precious gift with the birth of Jesus. Giving is how He showed His great love for us (John 3:16). As you shop for gifts, thank God for Jesus. Be grateful for the blessings you’ve received. Reflect on the love you want to share with your family and friends through your gifts.

Santa Claus

Even Santa? Why not?! Can you not see Christ’s love at work through a man who makes toys and delivers them to children around the world? Show your children God’s love on display. Santa can perfectly illustrate how God uses people to bless others. Would the Jesus who ate with tax collectors and ministered to Samaritan women, denounce a man who makes toys and delivers them to children?

Over to You

The reality is that whether or not you enjoy a Christ-centred Christmas is up to you. Keeping Christ in Christmas is not about denouncing Santa or the commercialisation of the season. It’s more about how you live your life than what you buy. The best way to have a Christ-centred Christmas is to make Him a central part of your celebrations.

Recognise and celebrate the love and character of Christ that is present all around. Take every opportunity to remind yourself, your family, and your friends about the true meaning of Christmas.