Helping Your Family Focus on Christ During the Christmas Season

Aubrey De Jesus • December 11, 2023

Christmas has become so commercialized, that for Christian parents it can be hard to keep the “gift-mentality” out of the season. Don’t misunderstand me; there’s nothing “wrong” with giving gifts during Christmas. Even Paul says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (1 Corinthians 9:11) When we give gifts to those around us, it is an expression of thanksgiving to God. The problem comes when gifts become the focal point of the season, especially for our children. 

So, how can we keep our family focused on Christ this Christmas season? Firstly, decide as a family to make it a priority. This includes talking with our children about why Christ’s birth is so important. God Himself, the Creator of heaven and earth, the One who is all-powerful, humbled Himself and came to earth as a baby with the intention to one day die for the sins of the world. This is not something to be taken lightly, and it is our responsibility to impress upon our children just how amazing and awe-inspiring this is. Helping our children fully understand the sacrifice He made will help them better appreciate this time of year.


Reading books about the true Christmas story is another way to keep it at the forefront of our minds. One thing I like to do with my children is to wrap up 25 Christmas picture books, like an advent calendar of sorts, for them to unwrap and read every day leading up to Christmas. You can check out books from your local library or simply buy one or two every year to build up your collection. (I personally buy one for each of my boys every year and the rest I check out from the library) Reading a Christmas book every night will keep the story fresh in their minds and reinforce the importance of the Story. Some of my favorites include The Animals Speak by Marion Dane Bauer, The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keates, Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb, The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell, and All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner. 


Another way to incorporate the Christmas story into your season is to do an Advent devotional as a family. This can include reading portions of the Christmas story together (nightly or weekly), singing Christmas hymns, or going through a devotional book together like the Family Advent Devotional: Bible Study Book. 


Finally, setting up a nativity scene in your home is a great reminder for kids; for little ones, you can even get a toy version for them to play with! I really like the Fisher-Price Little People Nativity set, and it has lasted our family many years. I encourage my kids to use the characters to act out the story; you can also have an older child retell the story to a younger sibling using the set. 


However you decide to incorporate the true Christmas story in your home, it will still serve as a reminder for all of you about the magic of Christmas: a story of love and promise. 

5 Black History Month Picture Books

By Aubrey DeJesus • February 12, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new postFebruary is known for two major events: Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. This is a great opportunity to check out some picture books detailing the accomplishments of Black Americans both past and present. I’ve rounded up 5 picture books you can read with your kids or students this month to give them a better understanding of why it is important to celebrate these accomplishments. These books should be a stepping point to further conversations about inclusion, acceptance, and empathy. We were all made in the Lord’s image and deserve respect and acceptance by all. I’ve also made sure to include books that reach beyond just slavery and civil rights movements since Black History Month extends beyond that.

How to Help Your Kids Set (and Keep) New Year's Resolutions

By Aubrey De Jesus • January 7, 2025
There’s something so exciting and invigorating about starting a new year. It is full of promise and the opportunity to grow. During this time, many adults make new year’s resolutions and goals to help set their year on the right path, so why can’t our kids set goals, too?

What is “Overconsumption Core”?

By Aubrey De Jesus • December 13, 2024
I’ve been seeing a new term popping up on social media lately: overconsumption core . But what does it mean? “Overconsumption core" is a term used to describe the social media phenomenon of excessive consumption of goods and services; it is driven by the idea that owning more makes one happier or more successful.

Thankfulness Scriptures - Phone Wallpapers

By Aubrey De Jesus • November 6, 2024
It’s officially November, and what better way to celebrate this month of thankfulness than to count our many blessings from this year and make sure our hearts are directed towards gratitude. One of the best ways to cultivate a heart of gratitude is to memorize Scriptures that remind you of what you’re thankful for, and most importantly, to whom you’re thankful.

Pumpkin Picture Books to Read this Fall in Your Classroom

By Aubrey De Jesus • October 7, 2024
As a teacher and school librarian for many years, from preschool to middle school, I have found one thing to be true across the board: Children of all ages love to be read to. It doesn’t matter the age, kids love listening to a good story and become easily entranced by a good read aloud.

Should Your Child Participate in After School Activities?

By Aubrey DeJesus • September 12, 2024
According to the 2014 Census, 57% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 participate in after school activities. Most of this percentage refers to sports (35%), but also includes clubs or lessons (like music, dance, or languages). Like everything, after school activities have both pros and cons, and while some children may thrive on these extracurricular activities, others may get worn down and it ends up being more of a drawback. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of a child participating in after school activities.

5 Back to School Picture Books

By Aubrey De Jesus • August 16, 2024
A new school year is on our doorstep, and for most kids (mine included), the new school year can be both exciting and intimidating. There’s a new teacher, new classmates, harder coursework, more homework. Plus, we are mourning the end of summer and all the fun we had.

Internet Safety Tips for Teens and Parents

By Aubrey De Jesus • July 16, 2024
Technology is everywhere , and with it comes multiple threats, from cyberbullying to predators. As parents, we need our teens to be careful online since they spend so much of their time on social media. How do we keep them safe? First , you need to have an honest conversation about what dangers social media can bring to them. Second , come up with a plan of action.

How to Tackle Summer Reading

By Aubrey DeJesus • June 18, 2024
Even for kids who love to read, there’s just something about books that are required that have less appeal. However, almost all schools require summer reading (including here at KCS starting in 2nd grade). Usually these books will be centered around a project or assignment once your child returns to school. Aside from preparing your child for one of their first projects or tests of the year, the goal for summer reading is to keep your kids from backsliding too much and losing their reading growth. It also helps them keep those reading fluency and comprehension skills honed. Here are a few ways to help tackle that summer reading to make it as painless and fun as possible!

Book Recommendations: Middle Grade Books

By Aubrey DeJesus • May 13, 2024
Middle Grade books are books designed for children ages 8-12 years old, or in 3rd through 6th grades. These books are designed for children who have outgrown chapter books, but are not yet ready for the heavier materials in Young Adult books (ages 12-18). Middle grade fiction tends to focus on pre-teens who are experiencing things that most children their age experience - making friends, moving to a new house/school, and sibling interactions. Summer is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking for some books to keep your middle grade child engaged in reading till school starts back up, here are some recommendations to get you started.
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