9 Ways I Teach My Toddler About the True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas can feel like a whirlwind, can’t it? Between the decorations, shopping lists, and endless holiday movies, it’s so easy to get swept up in the “Hallmark” version of the season. But as a mom of two little boys, I want more for them. I want Christmas to mean more than gifts and Santa Claus. I want them to know about the hope and love that came to us through the birth of Jesus.

It’s not always easy, though. Let’s be honest—toddlers don’t have the longest attention spans, and life with two kids is just plain busy. But teaching them the true meaning of Christmas has become one of my favorite parts of the season.

From little traditions that spark big questions to hands-on ways to give back, it’s all about planting seeds that remind my boys why this time of year is so special. And honestly? It’s been a sweet reminder for me too.

Bake a Birthday Cake for Jesus

Baking a birthday cake for Jesus is such a fun and meaningful tradition in our house. My three-year-old thinks it’s the best thing ever—mostly because he gets to “help” mix (make a huge mess) and sneak spoonfuls of frosting when I’m not looking. Let me tell you, the cake usually ends up looking like a Pinterest fail, but the joy on his face makes it perfect.

We light a candle, sing “Happy Birthday,” and talk about why we’re celebrating. For a little kid, a birthday cake is such an easy way to connect the dots between Christmas and Jesus. Plus, who doesn’t love cake?

Packing Shoeboxes with Operation Christmas Child

This was our first year doing Operation Christmas Child, and it might just become a new favorite tradition. Jackson had so much fun helping me pick out toys, crayons, and other little treasures for a boy and a girl his age. He was so serious about packing the boxes, like it was the most important job in the world—and honestly, it kind of is.

We finished by praying as a family for the kids who will open those boxes, asking Jesus to show them how much He loves them. Watching my son pray for other kids was one of those moments where I thought, “Okay, maybe I’m doing something right.”

Snuggle Up with a Christmas Book

Reading Christmas books is one of the easiest ways to slow down and focus on what matters during this crazy season. My boys love cuddling up with a stack of books, and I love choosing ones that point them to Jesus. This year, we’re reading The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving. Jackson can’t get enough of Away in a Manger because it plays music, and let’s be real, the sound buttons are half the fun.

It’s such a cozy way to spend time together, and it opens up little conversations about Jesus and why His birth is so important. Plus, it’s nice to have a quiet moment in the middle of all the holiday chaos.

Christmas Music Sets the Tone

There’s something about cranking up Christmas music that tells the story of Jesus—it just shifts the atmosphere. Whether we’re straightening the toy room, setting the table for lunch, or cruising in the car, I love playing Christ-centered Christmas songs.

“Silent Night” and “O Holy Night” are favorites, and sometimes I’ll pause and talk to my three-year-old about the lyrics. I’ll explain what it means when we sing about “Christ the Savior is born,” and he’ll nod like he’s really soaking it in.

Music has a way of sticking with kids. I’ve caught my son humming these tunes during playtime, and it warms my heart to think he’s already internalizing the real meaning of Christmas.

Make the Nativity Scene a Teaching Moment

Unpacking the Nativity scene is one of my favorite traditions because it’s such a hands-on way to share the Christmas story. As I pull out each figure, I’ll tell my boys about Mary hearing from an angel or Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem with his very pregnant wife.

Jackson loves hearing about the shepherds running to see baby Jesus and the wise men following the star. Sometimes, I’ll flip the script and ask him what he remembers from last year—it’s amazing how much he retains.

Setting up the Nativity gives us a chance to focus on the hope and joy that Jesus’ birth brings. It’s a grounding moment in the middle of a season that can feel so rushed.

Spread the Love by Giving Back

This year, I’m starting a new tradition of getting my kids involved in giving back. We’re planning to hand out Christmas cookies with a small message of hope to neighbors or people in our community. My three-year-old is already excited about helping, and it’s such a simple way to teach him that Christmas isn’t just about receiving.

Even at his age, he’s beginning to understand that showing love and kindness is part of what makes this time of year so special. It’s these little acts of giving that I hope will stick with him as he grows, shaping his understanding of what Christmas is truly about.

Story Time Is Always an Adventure

Storytime in our house isn’t just a routine—it’s a whole performance. Whether I’m pretending to be a booming angel or making a camel noise that’s probably more cow than camel, the energy matters.

The story of the wise men following the star is a favorite because I get to be loud, silly, and just a little over the top. It’s those dramatic pauses and cartoonish voices that make their little eyes light up.

The second I dial it down, though, the magic fizzles. That’s when I get, “Mommy, can we watch Paw Patrol” or “Can I have a snack?” Keeping it fun and animated isn’t just for them; it keeps me present, too. Plus, I know they’ll remember these moments when they think about the story of Jesus.

Focus on the “Why”

After the giggles and wild storytelling settle, I always make time to talk about what it all means. For my toddler, it’s not enough to know that Jesus was born in a stable—I need him to understand why He came.

I’ll say something like, “Jesus is God’s Son, and He came because He loves us more than we can imagine!” His little face lights up, and the next thing I know, he’s asking, “But why, Mommy?”

These talks are priceless because they plant seeds. When we pray at night, I’ll hear my son thank God for sending Jesus, and my heart melts. It’s in these moments I see that, even at three, he’s starting to grasp the bigger picture.

Keep It Centered on Jesus

The Christmas season is packed with distractions—Santa, presents, and endless reruns of holiday movies. That’s why I’m intentional about centering our conversations and activities on Jesus.

I want my boys to know that Christmas isn’t just about gifts under the tree but the gift we were given through Jesus’ birth. Keeping it simple and repeating truths in a way they can understand makes all the difference.

If they can understand how loved they are by God, then I know I’m doing something right.