An Intentional, Christ-Centered Christmas Gift Tradition

• Posted: December 5, 2022

In a culture that puts so much focus on materialism during the holidays, how do we keep our kids focused on the TRUE meaning of Christmas? We know it’s important to make sure our kids remember that Christmas is about Jesus’ birth, but we also know that the receiving of gifts tends to take over our children’s focus. To put the focus back on Jesus — and to help make your life simpler — we recommend starting a Christ-Centered 3-Gift Tradition that represents the gifts that the wise men brought to baby Jesus. Remember, three gifts were enough for Jesus, so it should be enough for our children!

Ready for a much simpler Christmas season? Try this Christmas gift plan that will keep your gift giving purposeful and intentional — just like the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus Christ.

Gift #1: Gold

Gold was (and still is!) a very precious metal and considered high in value. So, this gift would be the most valuable or most desired item by your child. This will certainly vary, depending on your determined budget, but perhaps it’s a new tablet, a FitBit, or a motorized toy car.

Gift #2: Frankincense

Frankincense was an oil that was used for worship and was often burned during prayer that would rise up toward Heaven. So, the gift in this category is something that will draw your child closer to God. Perhaps it’s a new Bible, a devotional coloring book, a Spotify subscription so they can listen to worship music, a Christian t-shirt, or tickets to a Christian concert. This could also be an item that would enable your child to use their talents for the glory of God. For example, if your child loves music, maybe you buy them a new guitar!

Gift #3: Myrrh

Myrrh was a burial spice that was used to cover the whole body, preparing for its final resting place. So, this gift would be something for their body. Maybe it’s a new coat, clothing, jewelry, bedding, bubble bath, or chapstick.

Have fun with these gifts and write a little note to accompany each one and how it relates to the three categories. If you’re really crafty, you can make special gift tags or use corresponding wrapping paper for the three categories.

With a little creativity, you can create a Christmas tradition that will simplify your life but also help your kids know what to expect on Christmas morning. Most importantly, giving them gifts that mirror those given to baby Jesus can open up a bigger, intentional conversation about the story of Christmas.

Want some more Christmas inspiration? Check out our Bible2School At Home Resource, Candy Cane Craft & Lesson! Also, be sure to  check out our Christmas Pinterest board for some fun ideas to keep Jesus the focus of Christmas.

Relevant Bible Verses

“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
– Matthew 2:11

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
–  Isaiah 9:6

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
– John 3:16