4 Fun Ways to Honor Jesus’ Birthday this Christmas

• Posted: December 9, 2024

Christmas is a time to celebrate one of the most important events in history. But, amongst all of the parties, gifts, and hustle and bustle of the season, how do we make sure our kids stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas? Let’s meet them on their level and celebrate in a way they can understand — with a birthday party! By giving a fun and factual birthday party for Jesus, you can help your children begin to understand the true meaning of Christmas at an early age.

You can make this birthday party for Jesus as simple or elaborate as you want. Maybe it’s on Christmas Eve or maybe it’s another day in December. No matter what, it’s about celebrating the miraculous birth of our Savior and the importance of that day.

Ready for a new family tradition? This might be it! Here are a few ideas to get you started…

Gingerbread Nativity Scene

Instead of a standard gingerbread house, build a nativity scene highlighting the birth of Jesus! As a family, build your gingerbread nativity, read the Christmas story from the Bible, and explain to your kids that Jesus is the sweetest gift of all. There are plenty of kits you can buy online or browse Pinterest to get some ideas to create your own!

Sing “Happy Birthday”

Bake a cake and have your kids help decorate it! Then, light a candle and sing “Happy Birthday to Jesus!” It might seem a bit unusual singing to someone that isn’t physically in the room, but we promise this will help connect the dots for your children. Use this as an opportunity to remind your kids that God is always with us and that He delights in our singing and worshiping!

A Meaningful Scavenger Hunt

Before the party, wrap a few hand-held mirrors in Christmas paper and hide them around the house. During the party, ask your kids, “What do you think Jesus wants for His birthday?” Then, tell them there are gifts hidden around the house and send them on their way to start searching!

Then, gather everyone together and have them open the gifts at the same time. As they unwrap the paper, they will see their reflection in mirrors and realize that what Jesus wants for his birthday is THEM! It’s so fun and life-giving to tell kids that the best gift Jesus could ever receive is their promise to live for Him.

For a visual of this fun scavenger hunt, check it out on Facebook or Instagram.

Make Birthday Cards

Encourage each of your kids to make a birthday card for Jesus. Get out the craft supplies and let them have fun with it! Older kids can write it out and make it more personal. On Christmas morning, have each child share their card with the rest of the family and place them in a nice basket for Jesus. 

With a little creativity, you can create a Christmas tradition that will serve as a reminder to children that Christmas isn’t about Santa or asking for presents — it’s about celebrating Jesus’ birthday. They will learn that the greatest joy of the Christmas season is celebrating the life of our Savior with family.

Want some more Christmas inspiration? Check out our blog, An Intentional, Christ-Centered Christmas Gift Tradition, or our At Home Resource, Advent Prophecy Cards.