10 Christ centered Christmas Activities for Kids
Christmas with children is magical but it can also feel busy and overwhelming. Between presents, parties, and packed schedules, it’s easy for the true meaning of Christmas to get lost. For Latter-day Saint families, the season offers a beautiful opportunity to slow down and help children focus on Jesus Christ through simple, intentional traditions.
These LDS Christmas activities for kids are designed to be meaningful without being complicated. They work well for family home evening, Primary lessons, or quiet moments at home, and most can be adapted for toddlers through older children. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.
For family home evening ideas check out this post.
Why Christ-Centered Christmas Activities Matter
Children remember how Christmas felt more than how it looked. When they participate in activities that point them to the Savior, they begin to associate Christmas with love, service, and faith the true essence of the spirit of Christmas rather than stress or excess. Christ-centered traditions help children understand why we celebrate and invite the Spirit into our homes during a very busy season.
1. Build a Nativity Set Together
Creating a Nativity set is a hands-on way for children to learn the Christmas story. You can use paper cutouts, wooden figures, felt boards, or even LEGO characters. As each figure is added, talk about who they were and why they mattered in the story of Jesus’ birth.
This activity encourages storytelling, discussion, and reverence—all in a child-friendly way.
2. Scripture Advent Countdown
Replace (or supplement) traditional advent calendars with a scripture-based countdown. Each day, read a short verse about Christ’s birth, mission, or love. Keep it simple and age-appropriate.
Children can take turns opening the envelope, reading the scripture, or sharing one thing they learn about Jesus. This daily habit helps keep Christ at the center throughout December.
December 1
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
Focus: Jesus is our Savior
Prompt: What does it mean that Jesus was given to us?
December 2
Scripture: Micah 5:2
Focus: Jesus’ birthplace
Prompt: Why was it important that Jesus was born in Bethlehem?
December 3
Scripture: Luke 1:30–31
Focus: Mary’s calling
Prompt: How do you think Mary felt when she learned she would be Jesus’ mother?
December 4
Scripture: Luke 1:38
Focus: Obedience
Prompt: How can we say “yes” to God like Mary did?
December 5
Scripture: Luke 1:46–47
Focus: Gratitude
Prompt: What are you thankful for today?
December 6
Scripture: Matthew 1:20–21
Focus: Joseph’s faith
Prompt: How did Joseph show trust in God?
Download two versions of the calendar for free here.
3. Act Out the Christmas Story
Children love to move, dress up, and pretend—so acting out the Nativity is both fun and memorable. Assign simple roles, read from Luke 2, and let kids reenact the story of Jesus’ birth.
Even shy children often engage when they’re given a small role. This activity helps the Christmas story come alive in a way children truly remember.
4. Create a “Service for the Savior” Jar
Service is one of the most powerful ways to teach children about Jesus. Fill a jar with simple service ideas such as helping a sibling, writing a kind note, praying for someone, or sharing a toy.
Each day, let a child choose one act of service. This helps children see that giving to others is a gift we give to Jesus.
50 Service Ideas For Children
At Home
- Help set the table
- Clear dishes after a meal
- Make a sibling’s bed
- Pick up toys without being asked
- Leave a kind note for a family member
- Say “thank you” to a parent or caregiver
- Help fold laundry
- Share a favorite toy
- Help prepare a simple snack
- Say a prayer for someone in need
For Neighbors
- Pick up trash outside
- Help rake leaves or shovel snow
- Take in trash cans
- Water plants
- Smile and say hello
- Leave a thank-you note on a doorstep
- Hold the door open
- Help carry something heavy
- Draw chalk messages on the sidewalk
- Bring in the mail
For The Community
- Donate a toy or book
- Help sort donations
- Write a note for a care package
- Help prepare a meal for someone
- Draw pictures for hospital or nursing home residents
- Help clean a park
- Say kind words to a cashier
- Hold the door for someone
- Pray for community helpers
- Share a smile with someone who looks sad
For Family & Friends
- Draw a picture for a sibling
- Write a thank-you note to a grandparent
- Call or video chat with a relative
- Help carry groceries
- Compliment someone sincerely
- Make a card for a sick friend
- Pray for a friend by name
- Share a treat with someone
- Help a sibling with homework
- Give someone a hug (with permission)
At Church
- Help clean up after an activity
- Sit by someone new
- Smile and say hello to teachers
- Share quietly during lessons
- Help set up chairs
- Put hymnbooks away
- Help younger children
- Say “thank you” to Primary leaders
- Be reverent during sacrament
- Sing Primary songs with enthusiasm
5. Family Home Evening: Gifts for Jesus
During a December family home evening, talk about the gifts brought by the Wise Men. Then ask children what gifts they can give Jesus today—kindness, obedience, gratitude, or prayer.
Younger children can draw pictures, while older children can write goals or thoughts. This activity gently shifts focus from receiving gifts to offering them.
6. Make a Baby Jesus Ornament
Craft a simple ornament representing Baby Jesus—using paper, clay, or felt—and hang it on the Christmas tree. As you hang it, talk about why Jesus is the most important part of Christmas.
This ornament can become a yearly tradition and a visual reminder of the Savior throughout the season.
7. Christmas Scripture Scavenger Hunt
Turn scripture study into a fun activity by creating a scavenger hunt. Hide scripture references or clues around the house, each leading to a verse about Christ’s birth or mission.
The final clue can lead to the Nativity, a picture of Jesus, or a family prayer. This activity combines movement, learning, and reverence.
8. Sing Primary Christmas Songs
Music invites the Spirit in a powerful way. Singing Primary songs like Away in a Manger, Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus, or He Sent His Son helps children learn gospel truths through melody.
You can sing during family home evening, while driving, or before bedtime. Even short singing moments can leave a lasting spiritual impression.
9. Write Letters to Jesus
Invite children to write or draw a letter to Jesus telling Him what they’re thankful for or how they want to follow Him. Younger children can dictate their thoughts while parents write them down.
This quiet activity encourages reflection and helps children build a personal relationship with the Savior.
10. Light the Christ Candle
Each evening—or once a week—light a candle and talk briefly about Jesus as the Light of the World. Keep the message short and simple, especially for young children.
This calming tradition works well before bedtime and helps children associate peace and warmth with the Savior.
Prompts for discussing the savior with your children
Understanding who the savior is
- Who do you think Jesus is, and why do people call Him the Savior?
- What does the word Savior mean to you?
- Why do you think God sent Jesus to the world?
- How is Jesus different from other people we read about in the scriptures?
- What are some names or titles Jesus has that you remember?
Jesus’ Love For Everyone
- Who does Jesus love?
- How do you know Jesus loves you personally?
- Why do you think Jesus came for everyone, not just a few people?
- How does it make you feel knowing Jesus loves the whole world?
- How can we show love to others like Jesus does?
Jesus As our helper & healer
- When do you think people might need a Savior?
- How can Jesus help us when we feel sad, scared, or worried?
- What stories do you remember where Jesus helped or healed someone?
- How does Jesus help us even though we can’t see Him?
- What do you like about knowing Jesus is always there for you?
Following Jesus
- What do you think it means to follow Jesus?
- How can we act like Jesus at home or at school?
- What choices do you think Jesus would want us to make?
- How can we listen for Jesus’ guidance?
- What is one thing you want to learn from Jesus?
Creating Meaning Without Pressure
You don’t need to do all ten activities to have a Christ-centered Christmas. Even choosing one or two traditions can help children understand that Christmas is about Jesus Christ. What matters most is consistency, love, and intention—not elaborate plans.
Christmas Activities Calendar
Final Thought
Christmas is one of the best times to teach children about Jesus—not through long lessons, but through meaningful moments. When we invite Christ into our traditions, our homes become places where the Spirit is felt and faith is gently nurtured.
Wishing you many Christmas blessings,
