Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? But it’s busy, too.

So how can you point your children to Christ this season—without adding a lot more to what you’re already doing? Read on for 5 simple ways.

1. Go Christmas caroling (with a show).

You’ve heard about visiting a live nativity scene. How about being the live nativity scene? Have everyone dress up as a nativity character, then take the family caroling. People will love hearing the tidings of good joy and be more drawn to picture the Christmas story.

Here are some ideas for simple nativity costumes you can take on the road!

2. Tell the candy cane story.

Turned upside down, the candy cane makes a J for Jesus. The white represents sinless, pure Christ. The red represents His blood, shed for us. The shape right-side up reminds us that He is our shepherd.

Talk through the symbolism with regular candy canes, or make cookies! Make sugar cookies in a candy cane shape and frost them with red and white stripes.

Or dye half your dough with red food coloring. Then twist a strand of red dough and a strand of plain together and flatten them into a candy cane shape.

For a visual to go with the story, search for “the legend of the candy cane” or “the candy cane poem.” You’ll find printables in all different styles to choose from.

3. Tie Christ into Christmas lights.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Incorporating a verse like this will give profound meaning to something as simple as blinking icicles on a neighbor’s front porch.

4. Hang an extra stocking.

Challenge your children to write a letter to Jesus thanking Him for what He’s given them during the year. They could also write about the gifts they want to give Him in the coming year (like kindness, obedience, or honesty).

Then hang an extra stocking and have each child put his letter in it on Christmas Eve. Even in the excitement of receiving gifts the next morning, this is a reminder to be thankful for Christ’s priceless gift.

5. Put action to your advent calendar.

You’ve seen the advent calendars with a chocolate or candy hidden behind the number of each day? The excitement for Christmas grows as children get a treat every day while counting down to December 25th. This Christmas, try putting some action to the advent calendar. Have your kids add a new piece of your nativity set or put together a puzzle related to the true meaning of Christmas each day. Or—for even sweeter memories—find a way to serve others each day of the countdown. Serving and giving will reinforce what your children know about Christ’s love.

Here are 33 ideas of service projects you can do with your kids.