The True Meaning of Christmas: A Simple Guide for Explaining the Holiday to Kids

by: Janerine, Mom and Creator of Kids song learning hub(Certified Early Childhood Educator)

Learn More

The twinkling lights are up, the wish lists are getting longer, and the excitement in our homes is reaching a fever pitch. As a parent, I love the magic of it all. But last year, in the middle of a toy catalog frenzy, my five-year-old looked at me and asked, “But Mama, what is Christmas actually about?”

It was a moment of pure parental clarity. Amid the commercials and the Santa trackers, I realized I needed to be more intentional about sharing the true meaning of Christmas with my children.

If you’ve ever felt the same—wanting to cut through the commercial noise and anchor your family in something deeper—you’re in the right place. This isn’t about taking away the fun of Santa and presents. It’s about adding a layer of profound, lasting joy. Let’s explore how to explain the true meaning of Christmas in a way that even the youngest child can understand and cherish.

Why It's Important to Explain the True Meaning of Christmas

In a world that shouts “You gotta get this!” the story of Christmas whispers “You are already loved.” Sharing this isn’t about a single religious lesson; it’s about giving our kids a foundational sense of hope, purpose, and self-worth that has nothing to do with what they find under the tree.

When children understand that the true meaning of Christmas is rooted in a gift of love, it changes their perspective. It transforms the season from one of receiving to one of giving, from greed to gratitude. Research in child development shows that kids who understand the "why" behind traditions develop a stronger sense of identity and empathy. By planting this seed, we're providing kids a moral compass for the season that leads them toward being kind and generous.

Finding the True Meaning of Christmas in the Christmas Story

The core of the holiday can feel like a big concept, but you can break it down into simple, relatable ideas for kids.

Think of it as the ultimate birthday party. You can start by saying, “Christmas is like a huge, worldwide birthday party for Jesus!” This immediately frames it as a celebration, not a lecture.

Focus on the key characters and what they represent:

• Mary & Joseph: They were chosen to be Jesus’s parents. Talk about their journey and how they had to be brave and trust God, even when things were hard and they had no proper place to stay.

• The Shepherds: These were ordinary, everyday people. God told them the good news first, showing that this gift was for everyone.

• The Wise Men: They traveled a long, long way, following a star, to bring gifts to the new king. This shows that Jesus was a special king, worth searching for.

Personal Anecdote: My family has a simple, plastic nativity set that the kids are allowed to touch and play with. One evening, I found my son had moved the shepherd figure right next to the baby Jesus. When I asked him why, he said, “The shepherd was cold and far away, so I brought him closer to get warm.” In that moment, he wasn’t just playing; he was connecting with the story on a deeply personal level. He understood the true meaning of Christmas: that we are all invited to come close.

Practical Ways to Weave the True Meaning of Christmas into Your Traditions

Knowing the story is one thing; living it is another. Here are some practical, hands-on ways to make the true meaning of Christmas a tangible part of your family’s holiday.

1. The "Giving Manger" Tradition

This has been a game-changer for our family. Instead of an Elf on the Shelf, we have a small, empty manger. Next to it is a bowl of pieces of straw. Whenever a family member does a secret act of kindness (like sharing a toy, making a bed, or writing a nice note), they get to quietly place a piece of straw in the manger. The goal is to make a soft bed for Baby Jesus by Christmas morning. This visually connects kindness directly to the heart of the holiday.

2. Start a "Jesus' Birthday" Celebration

On Christmas morning, after the stockings but before the main presents, we sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus and have a birthday cake (or cupcakes!) for breakfast. We go around the table and each say one gift we want to give Jesus this year (like being a better friend or helping more at home). It’s a beautiful, tangible way to put Him first.

3. Read Child-Friendly Versions of the Story

Don't underestimate the power of a good book. Having a beautifully illustrated, age-appropriate Christmas storybook makes the narrative accessible. Reading it together as part of your bedtime routine in December reinforces the message night after night.

Pro Tip: When you’re wrapping presents, talk about the Wise Men who brought gifts to Jesus. Explain that our gift-giving is a way to show love to others, just like the Wise Men showed their love for Jesus.

Answering Kids' Tough Questions About the True Meaning of Christmas

Kids are naturally curious, and their questions can be profound. Here’s how to handle a few common ones.

Question	Answer
"If Christmas is Jesus’s birthday, why do I get all the presents?"	"That’s a great question! Think of it like this: Jesus was God’s gift of love to the whole world. So, because God gave us such a amazing gift, we give gifts to each other to show our love, too. The presents are a way of sharing the love that started with Jesus."
"Is Santa Claus real? How does he fit with Jesus?"	"Santa Claus is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, who loved Jesus very much and was famous for secretly giving gifts to people who needed them. So, the spirit of Santa—the joy of giving without needing credit—is a wonderful way to live out the true meaning of Christmas. He reminds us to be generous, just like God was generous to us."

Keep It Simple and Follow Their Lead

Remember, you don’t need to explain the entire Bible in one night. The true meaning of Christmas isn’t a test; it’s a story to be shared, a feeling to be cultivated. Start with one tradition. Answer one question. Light one candle.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. By gently guiding their hearts toward the story of hope, love, and a humble birth in Bethlehem, you’re giving them the greatest gift of all: a foundation of faith that will long outlast any toy.

What’s one way your family celebrates the true meaning of Christmas? I’d love to hear your ideas and traditions in the comments below.

Christmas Traditions Around the World: A Faith Filled Family Journey

15 Magical Christmas Kitchen Activities for Kids