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How well do you know the true Christmas story? Here is a quiz that will test your knowledge.

  1. Why was Joseph looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem?

  2. Does the New Testament ever mention Mary riding a donkey?

  3. How old was Jesus when the wise men arrived, and how many wise men were there?

  4. What do the gifts we give at Christmas really symbolize?

This Christmas, set aside time to really get to know the Nativity story. Get to know your Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birthday we celebrate. Then, use these unique holiday activities to help teach your children what you have learned.

Learn that you may teach

Did you know all the answers to our quiz questions? Study the story of the Savior's birth by reading Luke, chapter 2, verses 1-19 in the New Testament. Additional scripture study can include Matthew, chapter 1, verses 18-25 in the New Testament. As you read, imagine sitting with Mary and holding her baby, the Savior of the world.

These beautiful songs will help set the mood for your study:

Give gifts of the spirit

Give gifts to teachers, friends and neighbors that share your love of the Savior. Turn a candy cane upside down to make a letter "J," for Jesus. "Are You Seeing Stars," a fun family service idea, encourages your family to do a service for someone else, starting a chain reaction of service events in your neighborhood. A quick Web search yields many great ideas to choose from!

Involve the whole family in the true spirit of Christmas

- and make it fun! I asked some of the best little mothers I know how they have kept the true spirit of Christmas in their homes. They offered the following ideas:

  • Use an advent calendar. For each day, read a scripture story. Then, at the end of the day, talk about how you used the principle taught in that story to help you during that day. Focus all the stories on the Savior's birth and life. Add in fun activities. For example, after reading a scripture on service, decorate sugar cookies and deliver them to the neighbors.

  • Hang a stocking for Jesus and put different gifts in it for him like "trying to be kinder to a brother or sister" or "having daily scripture study."

  • Try to make most of your gifts. When you make each gift, you aren't just walking into a store and spending money. You're putting your heart into it.

  • Have a Nativity scene your children can play with - allow them to pick it up, hold it and use it to tell the Nativity story.

  • Bake a birthday cake for the Baby Jesus, and offer Him gifts by serving others or setting self-improvement goals.

Have family movie night with movies that keep the holiday spirit

This Christmas, become intimately acquainted with the Savior and share your love for Him with your family. Carry that love beyond December, and make Christmas last 365 days a year.
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