25 Days of Christmas Devotionals

When David was younger, we wanted a way to help him recognize the real reason for celebrating Christmas without getting lost in all the bright lights and shiny presents under the tree.
John's mom gave us a book full of scriptures, songs, and stories for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Along with that, she gave us a candle we could light while we do our nightly devotional together. We ended up using both of these the first year and loved it! Other than making the room feel a little festive and Christmas like, (sort of like a tiny, tiny fireplace before we had one) it also helps the kids stay a little more quiet and focused since the candle is sort of calming and fun for the kids to watch.

For now, David's at the age where he doesn't know very many of the songs, but he likes to try to hum along as we sing. I'm excited to continue this tradition as our kids get older and can participate in more ways than just listening and trying to hum the tune of the songs.

If you're interested in trying this out, here are some scriptures, songs, and stories you can use. We just use a vanilla scented candle but using one that has a more Christmas like scent would be fun.

If you need the lyrics or music for a song, you can find it here.

Also, I've included links below for some stories so you can read them online. Our book has some different stories in it, but I wasn't able to find them all online, so I replaced them with some different ones on here.
Day 1: Making Room for Christmas                                Day 14: The Christmas Coat
Day 2: Straw for the Manger                                            Day 15: Longfellow's Christmas
Day 3: Tumbleweeds and Christmas Stars                    Day 16: A Small Snow Covered Tree
Day 4: The Christmas Pony                                              Day 17: The Old Shoemaker
Day 5: Cookies and Carols                                               Day 18: Christmas Peace in the Midst of War
Day 6: Gloves for a Shepherd                                          Day 19: Jesus Is Born
Day 7: The Christmas Cane                                              Day 20: Christmas at the Hospital
Day 8: Our Pickle-Jar Christmas                                      Day 21: A Christmas with no Presents
Day 9: In Shepherd's Field                                               Day 22: The Christmas Tree
Day 10: A Carol for Joaquin                                             Day 23: A Christmas Gift for Jesus
Day 11: The Gift                                                                 Day 24: Luke 2
Day 12: The Christmas Handkerchief                            Day 25: A Savior is Born
Day 13: The Last Stop of the Night

A couple of these links are videos instead of written stories. If you'd like to switch any of them out for other Christmas videos, you can find some great ones here.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Christmas this year, I hope you will take some time during the season to remember Christ's birth and the true reason for this holiday.

Merry Christmas!