Discover the Christmas ABCs Advent: a daily, Christ-centered countdown with letters, scriptures, and activities to teach kids about Jesus’ birth and mission.

The Advent season is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, especially since having kids. Growing up, I remember how magical December always felt—the lights, the carols, the anticipation of Christmas morning. But as a mom now, I’m on a mission to make sure my kids see beyond the gifts and holiday treats. I want them to feel the wonder of Jesus’ birth and understand that Christmas isn’t just about what we get but about the love we’re given through Christ.

One night last year, as I watched my kids eagerly tearing open an Advent calendar filled with chocolates, I had a thought: what if we could count down to Christmas in a way that keeps Christ at the center? What if, instead of candy, we had something to help them understand and treasure the story of Jesus? This idea became our “Christmas ABCs” Advent tradition, where each day focuses on a word that reflects a piece of Jesus’ birth and mission, paired with scripture. And it’s been a beautiful way to help them truly know why we celebrate Christmas.

If you want to create a meaningful, Christ-centered Advent tradition with your kids, the Christmas ABCs are a perfect start! Here’s how it works, and how you can dive into it this season with your family.

The Christmas ABCs: A Daily Countdown to Jesus

Each day in December, your family can focus on one letter of the alphabet that connects to the Christmas story. The letter of the day represents a word about Jesus or His birth—like “A” for “Angel” or “B” for “Bethlehem”—along with a related Bible verse. Through this simple approach, your kids can learn the story of Jesus’ birth, understand His role as Savior, and discover what He means to each of us.

Here’s a peek at how you might use each letter:

• A for Angel: Talk about the angel who appeared to Mary and share Luke 1:30-31, where the angel tells her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”
• B for Bethlehem: Explain how Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem, and read Luke 2:4-5 together.
• C for Christ: Share the joy of Jesus’ birth, the true reason we celebrate. Luke 2:11 is perfect for this: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

By keeping it simple and engaging, you’re inviting your kids to learn the story bit by bit without overwhelming them. You might even add a daily craft or small activity, like drawing or painting an angel for “A,” or building a little Bethlehem out of building blocks.

Why the Christmas ABCs?

The beauty of the Christmas ABCs is how naturally it introduces Jesus in an age-appropriate way, without any pressure or formality. Kids love stories, and what better story to share each day than the one about their Savior? With this approach, you’re laying a foundation for them to grow up seeing Christmas as more than decorations or wish lists. You’re making Jesus real and central to your home during Advent.

For moms especially, it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday whirlwind. Between decorating, gift-buying, baking, and all the other to-dos, the season can slip away before we even catch our breath. I’ve been there, and I know the desire to make Christmas meaningful for our kids. The Christmas ABCs are a refreshing way to slow down and refocus. Each day’s word and scripture reading only take a few minutes, yet the impact is lasting.

How to Make It Fun for the Whole Family

Here’s the thing: kids remember what they enjoy, so make it special! Here are a few ways to bring the Christmas ABCs to life:

Create a DIY Calendar: Each day, reveal the letter with a cute homemade Advent calendar. You could use small envelopes, paper bags, or even craft paper ornaments that your kids can decorate.

Add a Craft or Activity: Simple activities make it fun and memorable. For “J” for “Joy,” you could have everyone share what brings them joy. For “S” for “Shepherd,” dress up in bathrobes and act out the scene where the shepherds meet Jesus (kids love this!).

End with Prayer: Take a few moments each night to pray as a family. Thank God for His love and for sending Jesus, and ask Him to help you understand Him more deeply.

Bring it into Daily Life: Look for ways to let these “letters” shape your family’s Advent season beyond the daily reading. On “G” for “Glory,” you could make a point to sing your family’s favorite Christmas hymns that day. Or for “W” for “Worship,” talk about what worship is and how we can honor Jesus in our lives.

A Season Your Family Will Treasure

The Christmas ABCs are more than just a countdown—they’re an opportunity to plant seeds of faith and love in your children’s hearts. By giving your kids these daily reminders of who Jesus is, you’re helping them build a deeper understanding of why Christmas matters. Each year, as they grow, these truths can become even more meaningful.

And as moms, what a joy it is to share these special moments with them! I’ve found that even in the busyness of the holiday season, pausing to reflect on each letter helps me slow down and see Christmas through my kids’ eyes. As we talk about Jesus together, I get to watch them learn and grow in their love for Him.

This Advent, I encourage you to try the Christmas ABCs and see how God works through it. Let it be a season filled with love, hope, and wonder as you celebrate the birth of our Savior. The joy of Advent isn’t just something we tell our kids about—it’s something we live, day by day, letter by letter.

So grab your Bible, gather your little ones, and let’s discover the beauty of Christ-centered Christmas together.