Do you remember your best childhood Christmas? What made it so special? Chances are that it’s more than just eating delicious cranberry-apple pie or receiving the latest remote-controlled toy under the tree that makes that year stand out so vividly in your memory.
Perhaps your favorite was the Christmas that your Dad first invited you to join him on the annual trek through the woods in search of the perfect tree for the living room, or the year your family volunteered to serve food at the local soup kitchen. Our most cherished memories are almost always linked to relationships; it’s how we humans are designed. And at Christmas, we find our greatest joy in celebrating our relationship with the One who designed us that way.
The holidays can be a festive whirlwind, complete with all the chaos the metaphor implies. As men, we want to make sure our families feel loved, our homes are welcoming, and our holiday obligations are fulfilled. But in the midst of all the gift buying, the gatherings, and the endless to-do lists, it’s oh-so-easy to lose sight of what’s most important — our faith. We’ve all been there, caught up in the holiday hustle. Without a guiding purpose, it can start to feel like you’re just going through the motions. But t when we shift our focus back to Christ, the holidays take on a deeper, more meaningful significance for every member of the family, strengthening our connection to God and blessing us with true peace, even in the whirlwind.
At Man in the Mirror, we know that a holiday focused on the Lord is the best kind of celebration. Here are a few ways to keep faith at the center of the holidays, helping us as men lead our families spiritually while we invite them to join us in celebrating what truly matters most in this — and every — season.
Start with Your Own Heart
Before we can lead others, we need to be spiritually grounded. This starts with quiet time in prayer and reflection during the holiday season. If you’re not already in the habit, the Christmas season is a great time to start setting aside a few minutes in the morning to pray, read Scripture, and ask God to center your heart.
Isaiah 9:6 reminds us, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Reflecting on the true meaning of Christ’s birth — God’s greatest gift to us — gives the holidays a richer, more profound meaning.
When our heart is focused on Him, we are more patient, more present, and more intentional with our family. It’s not about getting everything perfect but about leading them in worship and gratitude.
Engage Your Family in Faith-Based Traditions
One of the best ways to keep Christ at the center of your holiday celebrations is through family traditions that point back to Him. In the church calendar, the four Sundays leading to Christmas are called Advent – literally, “coming towards.” Advent reminds us that God came towards us (not the other way around) at Christmas.
Celebrating Advent as a family give you a way to count down to Christmas, focusing on this great gift by reading Scripture, lighting candles, or opening a daily Advent calendar. Lighting the candles and taking time to talk about hope, peace, joy, and love leading up to Christmas can bring you closer together. It’s a chance to reflect on what each of those things means through the lens of Christ’s coming.
Another idea is to incorporate service into your holiday routine. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food pantry or making and passing out care packages for unhoused people, serving others reminds us of Jesus’ humility and sacrifice. Matthew 20:28 says, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” When we model this servant’s heart, especially to our kids, we help them see that the holidays are about giving, not just receiving. (It’s also helpful to do this year round, rather than waiting for Christmas!)
Finally, Christmas arrives! Either Christmas Eve before bed or in the morning before opening presents, take some time as a family and read the Christmas story from Luke 2 out loud together. Let each of your kids take a turn reading, or alternate around whatever group is gathered. You will be struck by how profound this story is.
Guard Against Distractions
From shopping to parties to the pressure to create “Instagram-worthy” moments, the holidays are filled with distractions. These things aren’t bad in themselves but they can easily overshadow what matters most. It’s helpful to set some boundaries during this season.
For instance, you can simplify your gift-giving. Instead of focusing on the number of gifts under the tree, try to make each gift meaningful — something that reflects thoughtfulness and love rather than just checking off a list. This helps reduce the materialistic focus and shift the attention back to relationships.
It’s also helpful to take a break from screens. Most homes now have certain “unplugged” times when we put phones and tablets away and just spend time together, whether it’s playing a game, baking cookies, singing carols, or just talking. These moments, free from distractions, often become the ones we look back on with the most joy.
Mentorship and Fellowship
As men, we are called not only to lead our families but to mentor and encourage other men in the faith. The holidays provide a unique opportunity to come alongside other men, whether they’re younger believers or long-time friends who are struggling to keep their faith at the forefront.
Maybe you know a guy who’s going through a rough time. Invite him over for coffee or to a church event. These moments of fellowship can be powerful reminders that we’re all in this together. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Especially during the holidays, it’s important to build each other up and remind one another of the true meaning of this season. If there are young people who are far from home or have no one to celebrate with, welcome them to Christmas dinner or another celebration.
Man in the Mirror Helps You Reflect the Image of Christ
Ultimately, the holidays offer us a chance to refocus on what matters most — our relationship with Christ and our call to lead and serve. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and pressures of the season, but when we intentionally put Christ at the center, everything else falls into place.
If you’re looking for more practical ways to lead your family through a Christ-centered holiday season, check out A Man’s Guide to Christmas from Man in the Mirror. It’s filled with helpful tips and insights specifically for men, offering guidance on how to be intentional about keeping Jesus at the center of your celebrations. Whether it’s simplifying traditions, creating meaningful experiences, or managing the holiday stress with faith, this guide provides solid, biblically grounded advice to help you focus on what truly matters this Christmas. Find more resources and ideas for leading your family with faith at the Man in the Mirror website.
This Christmas, let’s commit to celebrating in a way that honors Him, not just in our homes but in our hearts. Let’s lead our families in faith, embrace traditions that point to Jesus, and guard our hearts from distractions. As we do, we’ll find more joy, peace, and meaning in the season than we ever could in any gift or celebration.
