5 Tips on How to Talk About the Christmas Story with Your Kids
Why the Christmas Story Matters for Little Hearts
For many parents, the Christmas story feels big and holy—and a little intimidating to explain.
You might wonder:
How much do I say?
What if they ask a question I can’t answer?
How do I keep Jesus at the center without overwhelming them?
The good news is: kids don’t need a perfect theological explanation. They need a simple, clear story of God’s love, told often and with warmth.
1. Start with Where They Are
Preschoolers and early elementary kids:
Think in simple, concrete pictures (animals, babies, stars, families).
Understand feelings more easily than abstract ideas.
Learn through repetition, play, and story.
That means you don’t have to explain everything. You can focus on just a few key truths:
God loves us.
God sent Jesus to be with us.
Jesus’ birthday is what we celebrate at Christmas.
2. Keep the Story Simple
Here’s one way to share the Christmas story in kid-sized language:
“A long time ago, God promised to send a special King who would rescue His people and show them His love.
God chose a young woman named Mary to be Jesus’ mom. An angel told her, ‘Don’t be afraid. God is with you.’
When it was time for Jesus to be born, Mary and Joseph had to travel to a town called Bethlehem. There was no room inside, so Jesus was born in a place where animals stayed.
That first Christmas night, Jesus—the Son of God—was born. Angels told shepherds the good news, and they came to see Him.
We celebrate Christmas because Jesus came to be with us and to show us what God’s love is like.”
Short. Clear. No extra pressure.
3. Use Their Senses: See, Touch, Act Out
Young kids learn best when they can see and touch things.
Try:
Nativity Play: Let them move nativity pieces from this Christmas Activity Kit as you tell the story. Ask, “Where should the shepherds go?” “Where do you think Mary would stand?”
Dress-Up: Use bathrobes, towels, and stuffed animals to act out the story. Let your child be Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, or even the star.
Art Time: Provide crayons, markers, or playdough and invite them to draw or create something from the story—like the manger, the star, or baby Jesus.
The goal isn’t picture-perfect accuracy; it’s letting them experience the story with their whole selves.
4. Answer Big Questions Simply
Kids are curious. They may ask:
“Why was Jesus born in a stable?”
“Why did God send Jesus as a baby?”
“Where is Jesus now?”
Keep your responses short and honest:
“There wasn’t any room inside, but God still took care of them.”
“Jesus came as a baby to grow up and show us how much God loves us.”
“Jesus is alive and with God now. And He’s with us, too, even when we can’t see Him.”
You don’t need to have every answer. If you’re not sure, you can say, “That’s a great question. Let’s think about that together.”
5. Make It Part of Everyday Moments
You don’t need a long, formal teaching time. You can weave the Christmas story into:
Bedtime: Read one part of the story each night from a kids’ Bible.
Mealtimes: Ask, “What do you remember from the story about baby Jesus?”
Car Rides: Play a kids’ Christmas worship song and talk about the words.
Little conversations over time are more powerful than one big “talk.”
Remember: Your Presence Matters More Than Your Perfect Words
You don’t have to be a Bible expert to talk about the Christmas story. You just need to be willing to show up, read, listen, and wonder together.
If you feel unsure, start small:
Read one Bible passage.
Ask one simple question.
Share one thing you love about Jesus coming at Christmas.
God is faithful to work through even the simplest stories told in love.