The week leading up to Christmas is one of the sweetest times to slow down, gather your little ones close, and walk them through the true story of Jesus’ birth. I was really excited to figure out a way to explain the birth of Jesus to my 2 toddlers, and this is what I came up with!
If the thought of explaining “complicated” topics to your young children scares you, just remember this: Preschoolers don’t need long lessons or complicated crafts. Simple, hands-on moments that help them understand the wonder of Christmas is perfect!
This one week Bible study plan is designed for 3 year-old preschoolers, with Monday-Friday activities that take only a few minutes each day. Everything is centered on the story of Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, and the birth of Jesus, keeping the focus on simple truths they can absorb with joy!
Use this as a guide, not a rulebook. Repeat things they love, skip what doesn’t work, and let the story naturally weave into your December rhythm. I can’t wait to hear how your child loves it!
Day 1: The Trip to Bethlehem
Scripture: Luke 2:1–5
Mary and Joseph had to travel a long way to Bethlehem, even though Mary was about to have baby Jesus. It wasn’t an easy trip, but they trusted God and followed His plan.
Talk About It:
“Mary and Joseph followed God even when it was hard. We can trust God too!”
Bite-Sized Activity:
Take a “journey” around your house. Walk slowly, pretend to hold bags or lead a donkey. Even a lap around the living room helps preschoolers feel the story with their bodies.
Simple Craft:
Cut out shapes for a donkey and let your child assemble it with glue. They’ll love naming it!
Prayer:
“God, help us follow You just like Mary and Joseph followed You.”
Day 2: No Room in the Inn
Scripture: Luke 2:6–7
When Mary and Joseph arrived, every place to stay was full. There was no room for them, but God still provided a place for Jesus to be born.
Talk About It:
“Even when things feel hard or confusing, God always makes a way.”
Bite-Sized Activity:
Use dolls or stuffed animals to act out knocking on doors:
“Is there room here?” “No room!”
Kids love repetition, and it makes the lesson stick.
Simple Craft:
Make or decorate a door on card stock. Let your child open and close it while you repeat, “No room!”
Prayer:
“Jesus, we make room for You in our hearts and our home.”
Day 3: Jesus Is Born
Scripture: Luke 2:7
The most important moment in the Christmas story: Jesus is born! Not in a palace or fancy place, but simply and humbly and for all of us.
Talk About It:
“Jesus came as a tiny baby because He loves us so much.”
Bite-Sized Activity:
Wrap a baby doll in a blanket and gently rock “baby Jesus.”
Simple Craft:
Create a tiny “baby Jesus” using an oval paper face wrapped in tissue paper or a fabric scrap.
Prayer:
“Thank You, God, for sending Jesus.”
Day 4: Jesus in the Manger
Scripture: Luke 2:7
Because there was no room in the inn, Mary laid Jesus in a manger, the place where animals eat! It reminds us that Jesus came to be close to ordinary people.
Talk About It:
“Jesus didn’t come to be fancy. He came to be close to us.”
Bite-Sized Activity:
Fill a small box with shredded paper or yellow yarn as “hay.” Lay a small doll or the paper baby Jesus inside.
Simple Craft:
Glue yellow strips of paper around a picture of baby Jesus to make “hay.”
Prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for coming to us in such a humble way.”
Day 5: Mary Treasures the Good News
Scripture: Luke 2:19
After Jesus was born, Mary thought about everything God had done and held these memories in her heart.
Talk About It:
“We can treasure the story of Jesus too.”
Bite-Sized Activity:
Make a simple “memory box” from a small container. Let your child place one drawing or tiny item inside to remind them of Jesus’ birth.
Simple Craft:
Decorate the box with stickers or crayons.
Prayer:
“Help us remember the story of Jesus and hold it in our hearts.”
Tips For Using This Plan in Your Homeschool Rhythm
- Keep lessons 5–10 minutes
- Read the Bible story from a preschool Bible or paraphrase it simply
- Repeat the main truth throughout the day
- Let your child choose a favorite activity to redo at the end of the week
Littles learn through play, repetition, and simple storytelling, so don’t worry about doing every craft or activity perfectly. What matters most is that you’re speaking Jesus’ name into their December, and building memories that will last far beyond Christmas. And most of all, have fun!
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I'm Sarah Elrod
I'm one half of Elrod Ranch and the person you will likely hear from the most! I am the creative marketer behind our brand. I'm a photographer, social media lover, and entrepreneurship nerd.
I'm super passionate about sharing our faily story and day to day lives which is exactly what you can expect around here!
Everything from recipes I am cooking up, to the animals we have, my best hacks for raising cow kids and more!
I'm so glad you're here!
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