How to Explain the True Values of Christmas to Children

Sometimes, the essence of what really matters is lost. Here are some tips for explaining the true values of Christmas to children.
How to Explain the True Values of Christmas to Children
Marcela Alejandra Caffulli

Reviewed and approved by the pediatrician Marcela Alejandra Caffulli.

Last update: 18 May, 2023

Perhaps, you’re wondering how you can explain to children the true values of Christmas. This is one of the most important seasons for Christians, and families gather to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. In the following article, we’ll give you some guidelines.

Tips to explain the true values of Christmas to children

In schools, as reflected in a paper written in 2019 at the University of Jaén, teachers make didactic units to promote the true values of Christmas in children. Therefore, they consider that this occasion shouldn’t be overlooked and that it’s a great opportunity to achieve it.

Therefore, we invite you to reinforce these objectives from home as well. If you want to know how, take note of the following tips.

1. Unity

This time of year is ideal for spending with loved ones. Family homecomings, get-togethers, and meals are perfect events for fostering unity and reminding your little ones of this.

A family enjoying a Christmas meal.
It’s a good idea to tell the children who’ll be sharing the table with you about the true values of Christmas. What’s more, you can prepare together a typical Christmas recipe to bring to the party.

2. Joy

Related to the above, another of the objectives to achieve at this time is to promote joy and illusion, not only in regard to material things. What really matters is sharing and enjoying the little moments, in addition to giving and receiving gifts.

In short, making those around you happy and being in good health are the two fundamental aspects to celebrate.

3. Solidarity

This time of year invites us not only to think about gifts but it’s also the perfect time to instill in the youngest members of your household the value of solidarity. For this, a good idea is to help out with some organization in your community that collects clothes, food, or gifts to give to those in need.

In addition, these dates are also a great opportunity to find a better home for the things you no longer use. Surely there will be many children who enjoy it!

4. Generosity

In the world, there are many people with a lack of resources who have to celebrate Christmas in a different way. How can your family help them? Gestures of generosity and humility at this time of year are, for example, limiting gifts or praying each night for those who need them the most.

5. Humility

When children get caught up in the consumerism of shopping and waiting for gifts, they’re at risk of drifting away from the true values of Christmas. Therefore, in order to practice the value of humility, it’s important to make them understand that they only have to ask for what they really need. In this regard, it’s important to differentiate between what they need and what they think they should have.

A girl dressed up for Christmas.
Teaching children to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others is one of the most important values of Christmas.

6. Forgiveness

Christmas is a perfect time to leave behind everything that has hurt you and renew the spirit. Therefore, one of the best examples that can inspire children to follow this model is the following: For parents and children to learn to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness if they’ve made a mistake.

7. Gratitude

The best time to put the value of gratitude into practice isn’t only on these dates, but also when the holidays are over after the new year. This is a good opportunity, for example, to get back together as a family and not lose the habit.

In addition, a beautiful way to give thanks for all that this Christmas has meant to you is to write a note with all your loved ones at the table. For example, a letter to Santa Claus to give thanks for all the moments received is a good way to open a new chapter and reflect.

Explaining the true values of Christmas to children is crucial so that they value what really matters

This time of the year, it’s easy to fall into the temptation of consumerism without measure. Little ones, as specified in a study developed by the EIA University (Colombia), are attracted by toy catalogs, television commercials, and fast food brands, among others.

To combat this and be able to explain to children the true values of Christmas, we invite you to put into practice the advice we’ve given you. Happy holidays!


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • De Pradas-Rojano, Á. (2019). La Navidad como propuesta didáctica para educar en valores en Educación Infantil.
  • Herrera Tamayo, N. (2015). Tendencias y factores de influencia en el consumo de juguetes y dispositivos tecnológicos. Universidad EIA.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.