Blog

Instead of using Elf on the shelf, you can create a daily Advent tradition that keeps the focus on Jesus. Kits like The Shepherd’s Treasure or The Christmas Star from Afar give you simple ways to set up faith centered scenes each day. You can also use your own nativity pieces by hiding a star, moving Mary and Joseph toward the manger, or letting the Wise Men travel after Christmas to celebrate Epiphany. These routines build excitement while pointing kids back to Jesus all season long.

A Jesse tree is a beautiful Advent tradition that helps families trace God’s promises through the Old Testament and see how they point to Jesus. Each day you hang an ornament that represents a story of God’s faithfulness and read the matching Scripture. You can print ornaments, make your own, or even host an ornament exchange to collect a full set. Many families display the Jesse tree in a visible spot to spark conversations about Jesus. This simple daily practice gives kids a strong foundation in Scripture and keeps the whole month centered on Christ.

Advent is a season of reflection and anticipation that points to both the birth of Jesus and His promised return. It has been part of church history since the fourth century and grew from a time of prayer and preparation for baptism into a season that helps believers refocus on Christ. Many families celebrate Advent with an evergreen wreath and four candles that symbolize hope, faith, joy, and peace as they prepare their hearts for Christmas.

Building nightly Advent devotions is one of the best ways to keep December centered on Jesus. Even starting with five focused times during the season can help families build a rhythm that often continues all year. Daily Scripture reading, prayer, worship, and simple carols help kids see that Jesus is the priority. Many great Advent guides and free online resources make it easy for families of all ages to join in. This tradition becomes a powerful way to pass on genuine faith and create Christ centered memories.

A Christmas Countdown Book Box is a fun and meaningful Advent tradition for kids of all ages. Each day a new book about the true meaning of Christmas is placed in a decorated box under the tree, and the kids take turns opening it for a special reading time. Families can include picture books, nativity stories, legends, and chapter books for older children. This tradition creates cozy memories, builds excitement for Advent, and keeps the focus on Jesus through daily storytelling.

Growing up, Christmas was mostly about Santa and gifts, but becoming a follower of Jesus brought a desire to shift the focus to His birth. Choosing to center the entire month on Christ created life changing impact and deep joy that gifts could never match. With commercialism pulling Christmas away from its true meaning, the call is to boldly reclaim the season and make every part of it point to Jesus. Advent becomes the first step in helping kids, neighbors, and friends experience real joy in Christ rather than temporary satisfaction from stuff.