Christmas is such an exciting time at our house and I LOVE sharing the season with our boys. I enjoy finding ways to keep things hands-on and help our boys be involved in the season! Today I wanted to share five ways we make things kid-friendly around our house in anticipation of Jesus's birthday including something new this year, Shepherd on the Search!






Have a kid-friendly nativity set. Christmas to me is all about Jesus and having a nativity that the kids can play with and reenact the story is so important to me. We keep our nativity out in the toy area all year, but I like to put it in a special place during the Christmas season to draw attention to it. This nativity has withstood the wear and tear of our boys since Henry was little. I don't have to worry about anything getting broken!



Get a fun advent countdown calendar. We always love these inexpensive chocolate ones. I get one for each member of the family. They're such a fun treat each night as we lead up to Christmas and they help with the, "How many days until Christmas?" questions.


Have your kiddos pick out Christmas books to put under the tree. The gifts don't appear under our tree until Christmas Day. The books make under the tree look full, encourages reading, and avoids ripping open pretty gift wrap until it's time!



Get the kids involved in making decor. Last year I had the boys paint clothes pins for our Christmas card wreath and make their own little foam trees they could keep in their room. If they feel ownership in the decor it makes it all that much better.



Get Shepherd on the Search. Thousands of years ago, the angels visited the shepherds and brought them good news. When the shepherds heard this good news, they set off on an epic journey to search for the newborn baby Jesus.

You can make this timeless story come alive with YOUR very own shepherd. His journey begins anew every Christmas season and ends on Christmas Day as your shepherd finds his way to the manger.The story of the shepherd's search is captured in a beautifully illustrated children's book. The fun begins when you hide your shepherd at night and your children set off on a search each morning. A special tradition of searching for the shepherd and retelling the story helps your family focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

I'm so excited to include the Shepherd as a new tradition in our home this year and really set the focus around Jesus.



Beginning November 27th (the Sunday after Thanksgiving), DaySpring will provide fun, "daily adventures" for families to do with their Shepherd. These will be activities such as printable recipe cards for crafts, baking activities, games and more. Families can sign up a shepherdonthesearch.com.

So, if you're looking for a fun, Christ-centered addition to your Christmas celebration, I highly recommend adding Shepherd on the Search! You can purchase him here!

What are ways you get your kids involved in Christmas?

Linking up with Garay Treasures and Tuesday Talk.