Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar or a list of gifts to buy. It’s the celebration of God stepping into the world in the form of a baby — a season bursting with truth, wonder and the light of Christ. Emmy-nominated TV host and Hallmark Channel star Megan Alexander wants families to rediscover that truth through her new book, The True Gifts of Christmas — a 25-day Advent journey uncovering the spiritual meanings woven into the traditions we love most.
You can hear the entire conversation between Crystal Thornton and Megan Alexander in the podcast below
Fighting the Pull of Commercialization
As a mother of three, Megan feels what many families feel: the pressure to keep up with the commercial side of the holidays while longing for a season centered on Jesus.
“I’m fighting the commercialization and secularization of the holiday season,” she says. “So many of us face that tension.”
Her search for answers began with a simple parenting moment: preparing for the day her children would ask, “Is Santa Claus real?”
What she discovered surprised her.
“Santa Claus isn’t a marketing creation — he’s rooted in the story of St. Nicholas, an incredible Christian man from modern-day Turkey who loved the Lord. So many of our Christmas traditions come from his life.”
That realization sparked a deeper exploration into familiar traditions — and the faith they carry.
Hidden Spiritual Treasures in the Traditions We Love
As Megan researched, she uncovered what she calls “hidden spiritual treasures”—meaning behind symbols we often overlook.
The Candy Cane
One of her favorite discoveries is the story behind the candy cane:
“Back in the 1800s, a Christian candy maker created the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff to represent Jesus as our Shepherd. The red symbolizes His blood and the white shows that we are washed as white as snow through His redemption.”
In Megan’s home, that story comes alive each year through a flashlight candy cane hunt — a playful tradition that ends in a family teaching moment about Jesus.
The 12 Days of Christmas
Another surprise came from the beloved song The 12 Days of Christmas.
“I didn’t realize that many believe it was written as a secret way to teach children Christian doctrine during times of persecution.”
- A partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus
- Two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments
- Three French hens represent faith, hope and love
- Four calling birds symbolize the four Gospels
“You’ll never sing that song the same way again,” Megan says.
Everywhere You Look: Christ Is There
From poinsettias to nativity scenes to the sparkle of tinsel, Megan shows how nearly every tradition has spiritual roots.
“Christ is all over Christmas — not just in His birth, but in the symbols, the stories, the songs and the heritage that we often forget.”
Practical Faith: Making Jesus the Center of the Season
Megan encourages families to embrace intentionality — not perfection — as they try to make Christ the focus.
“It’s asking: Are we balancing fun activities with moments that center our hearts on Jesus? Are we going to church, reading Scripture, talking about what His birth means?”
Her practical tips include:
- placing manger scenes around the house
- reading Advent devotionals together
- playing Christ-centered Christmas music
- ending the day with family prayer
- choosing meaningful, symbolic gifts
- creating crafts and ornaments with spiritual significance
She especially loves introducing the idea of giving three gifts, just as the Magi brought gold, frankincense and myrrh.
“It keeps the focus on Jesus — and on intentional generosity.”
Christmas as a Launching Pad Into the New Year
For Megan, the Christmas season doesn’t end on December 25th — it begins something.
“I think Christmas is the best launching pad into the new year,” she says. “It’s a whole month of preparing our hearts for Jesus — remembering God’s love, reflecting on Mary and Joseph’s sacrifice and letting the story shape how we walk into January.”
She also sees the holidays as a rare window for sharing the Gospel.
“People are open to conversations they’re not normally open to. Stores are playing worship music and don’t even realize it. Christmas gives us an opportunity to share our faith like never before.”
Her Favorite Tradition
Among all the activities and celebrations, one moment stands above the rest:
“We go to a tiny church in downtown Franklin. The lights go down, we hold candles and we sing Silent Night a cappella. It cuts through all the noise. It’s a holy moment I treasure every year.”
A Beautiful Reminder
Megan’s heart for families is simple:
Christmas is not found in what we unwrap, but in Who we worship.
Her book, The True Gifts of Christmas, offers parents, children and believers everywhere a way to walk through December with intention, joy and a renewed awareness of Jesus — the greatest gift of all.
You can learn more about Megan Alexander and listen to the full podcast conversation at KLOVE.com/GodStories.
From all of us at K-LOVE, may this Christmas season draw you closer to the Savior who came for you.
— Crystal Thornton, K-LOVE National News & Public Affairs Anchor