If the birth of Jesus is the center of your Christmas, look no further for ideas, inspirations, and gifts that praise and honor the birth of the Lord.

Make An Advent Wreath

To make this Lutheran symbol of the Advent, place four candles inside a circle of evergreen branches for an Advent Wreath. The Lutherans chose a ring of evergreen because they believed Place four taper candles within the circle. Usually there are three purple candles and one pink candle, called the Joy Candle, that is saved for the week of Christmas. Light one candle the first week, two the second week, three the third, and finally light all four candles including the Joy Candle for the week of Christmas. The Lutherans chose candles as a symbol of God bringing light to the world when He sent Jesus Christ to Earth.

Read the Christmas Story

Has it been some time since you thought about the Wise Men, the Star, and the Inn? Brush up on your Nativity facts by gathering your family around the tree to read the Christmas story. You may already have a tradition where one member of the family is assigned to reading it, or you may want to assign roles to your kids so everyone can participate in re-enacting The Christmas Story.

Christmas Pageants

If you want to begin a fun tradition that's also educational, put together a Christmas pageant for the young ones in your family. There's nothing more fun for kids than getting to dress up (especially if you get to be an angel, or a Wise Man), and children will learn the Nativity Story much faster if they play an active part. Have them perform their drama for the family on Christmas; or get involved with a church group to help with their Christmas pageant.