Christmas is a very special time. It is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came into the world because God loves us. Before Christmas arrives, we take time to prepare our hearts so we can welcome Him with joy.
This Christmas Novena for Kids is a simple way for families to pray together during Advent. For nine days, we will spend a few quiet moments reading, reflecting, and praying. Each day helps us learn how to love Jesus more through patience, kindness, trust, and service, just like the Holy Family did.
You can also download the full Christmas Novena for Kids PDF to pray with your family each day (at the end of this blog post).
To Begin (each day)
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her husband Saint Joseph, and our Guardian Angels, let us meditate in the presence of God on what happened in the days leading up to the Nativity.
May the Holy Spirit enlighten us and strengthen us, so that this Christmas Novena, may help us become more like the Holy Family.
To End (each day)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then, all together, repeat three times:
“Jesus, Joseph, and Mary,
I give You my heart and my soul.”
Day 1: December 16
The Value of Work, The Holy Family
When we look at the Holy Family, we see a hardworking home. St. Joseph worked with his hands, and Mary lovingly cared for their home. Jesus Himself grew up in a family where work was part of daily life. God teaches us that work, even small tasks, has great value when we do it with love. Children also have important work: helping at home, doing chores, learning at school, being responsible, and showing kindness. All these things make Jesus smile. Today we remember that Jesus was born into a family that valued work, and we can offer Him every little task as a gift of love.
Prayer: Jesus, help me work with joy and offer You all my daily tasks.
Day 2: December 17
When Plans Change, Mary and Joseph
Mary and Joseph had simple plans for their life: to live quietly in Nazareth. But one day, God invited them into a completely different plan. Mary said “yes” to the angel. Joseph trusted God even when he didn’t understand everything. Their plans changed, but God stayed with them every step of the way. Sometimes our plans change too: a day doesn’t go as expected, something gets cancelled, school feels hard, or something surprises us. When that happens, we can remember Mary and Joseph, who trusted God’s plan even in confusion. We can say, just like them: “Lord, I trust You.”
Prayer: Jesus, when my plans change, help me trust that You are with me.
Day 3: December 18
Jesus Walks with Us, The Journey to Bethlehem
Mary and Joseph made a long, tiring trip to Bethlehem. It wasn’t easy: they felt cold, heat, hunger, and worry. But they were not alone. Jesus was with them, growing quietly in Mary’s womb. Sometimes our own journey feels long too, learning something difficult, trying new things, facing changes or challenges. But Jesus always walks with us. He never leaves our side. Just as He accompanied Mary and Joseph, He walks with us on our own “road” to Bethlehem, guiding us with His love and light.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for walking with me every day. Help me feel Your presence.
Day 4: December 19
Growing Tired but Still Serving, Mary and Joseph
On the journey to Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph felt tired. Their feet hurt and they longed for rest, yet they kept going because they wanted to follow God’s will. We also get tired sometimes, tired of schoolwork, chores, waiting, or being patient. But love gives us strength. Jesus sees every small effort we make. When we help at home even when we’re tired, when we choose kindness instead of complaining, when we keep trying even when it’s hard, we are acting like Mary and Joseph, preparing our hearts to welcome Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, give me strength to help others, even when I’m tired.
Day 5: December 20
God’s Faithfulness, The Nativity
For many, many years, God promised He would send a Savior. And He kept His promise. Jesus was born just as God had said, showing us that God always keeps His word. Sometimes we pray and things seem slow to happen. But God never forgets us. He always works at the perfect time. Jesus’ birth is the greatest sign of God’s faithful love. Every Christmas reminds us that God is close, that He stays with us, and that He never stops loving us.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You because You always keeps your promises. Help me trust You always.
Day 6: December 21
Making Room for Others, The Inn
When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, no one had space for them. Every door was closed. But a small, simple stable welcomed them, and Jesus was born there. Sometimes we also “close the doors” of our hearts, when we don’t want to share, forgive, listen, or be patient. But Jesus invites us to make room for others: for our family, our friends, our classmates, and especially for Him. When we open our hearts, Jesus is born in us and fills us with His peace.
Prayer: Jesus, help me open my heart and make room for others.
Day 7: December 22
Our Gifts for God, Welcoming Jesus
God gives each of us special gifts to help us love and serve Him. Some of us are good at helping others, some are good at learning and trying their best at school, some are good at being kind, sharing, praying, or cheering others up. These gifts are part of who we are, and God gives them to us because He loves us very much.
Mary and Joseph also used the gifts God gave them. Mary trusted God and cared for Jesus with great love. Joseph protected his family and worked hard to take care of them. They did not need special talents or big plans, they simply used their love, patience, and faith to serve God. And that made a beautiful home for Jesus.
When we use our gifts to help, obey, pray, and love others, we are serving Jesus too. Even small things done with love are very important to Him.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the gifts You gave me. Help me use them to serve You and others.
Day 8: December 23
Waiting for Jesus, Advent
During Advent, we learn how to wait for Jesus. Waiting can be hard, especially when we are excited. But waiting helps prepare our hearts. Just like Mary waited for baby Jesus to be born, we also wait with hope and trust in God.
When we wait patiently, we are showing Jesus that we love Him. We wait by praying, being kind, helping others, and trying to do what is right. Every day of waiting helps our hearts grow a little more ready to welcome Jesus.
Advent reminds us that something very special is coming. Jesus is coming to be close to us, and our waiting is a way of saying, “Jesus, we are ready for You.”
Prayer: Jesus, help me wait for You with patience and love.
Day 9: December 24
Adoring Jesus, Our Hearts Ready for Him
Today we come to adore Jesus. During Advent, we have been preparing our hearts for Him. We have prayed, waited, tried to be kind, and used our gifts to serve others. All of this is our gift to Jesus. Just like the shepherds and the Wise Men came to Him with what they had, we come to Jesus with everything we have prepared.
Sometimes our hearts are not perfect yet. We may still need to grow in patience, kindness, or love. But Jesus is happy when we come to Him just as we are. He knows we are still learning. When we adore Jesus, we tell Him, “I love You, and I want to keep growing closer to You.”
Today, we place everything in Jesus’ hands: our prayers, our good efforts, and even the things we still need to improve. Jesus receives all of it with great love.
Prayer: Jesus, we adore You. Please accept our hearts and help us keep growing in love.
Download the free Christmas Novena for Kids PDF
