Christmas is one of the most magical seasons for families—but in the midst of the bustle of parties, presents, and Pinterest-perfect traditions, how do we ensure our children keep Christ at the center of it all?

Catherine sits down with national TV host, actress, and best-selling author Megan Alexander to unwrap a timely question: How do Christian families actually keep Christ central during Christmas? Megan, who has been a familiar face on CBS’s Inside Edition for over two decades and the producer of UPTV’s “Small Town Christmas,” brings her unique insights in her newest book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions. This beautiful Advent resource is designed to make celebrating the season both meaningful and manageable—especially for busy parents.

Key highlights from the episode include:
Reclaiming Christmas Traditions – Megan shares fascinating stories behind beloved customs, revealing their hidden spiritual roots—from the Christian symbolism of candy canes to legends like the poinsettia. Listeners will discover how stockings, Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies, and even bells can point children (and parents!) back to Jesus.
Making Christmas Memorable & Manageable – The book isn’t just a devotional, it’s a coffee table conversation starter, filled with vibrant visuals and historical nuggets accessible to all ages. Catherine Segars notes, “It’s not a sermon… it’s an invitation to consider,” making it a perfect gift, even for those who might not identify as Christian but need a positive encounter with Christ.
Practical Family Ideas – From flashlight candy cane hunts to placing candles near loved ones’ pictures, Megan shares creative, simple ways to anchor faith in everyday family traditions. Each activity is an opportunity to discuss the deeper meaning behind symbols and stories—turning ordinary moments into spiritual conversations.
Honoring Hope and Hardship – The episode thoughtfully addresses the reality that Christmas is not always “roses.” Stories like that of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the tradition of bells remind listeners that even in grief or difficulty, the hope of the gospel and the presence of Christ remain steadfast.

Notable quote:
“You’ll never listen to bells the same. People are gathering; God is alive and well. There is hope in this world.” — Megan Alexander

Listeners will walk away with:
Fresh inspiration to slow down and celebrate Advent with their kids
Easy ways to make faith tangible without adding stress to the holiday
New eyes to see Christ woven through the fabric of their favorite traditions

About the guest:
Megan Alexander is a national TV correspondent, producer, and author. Her book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions, is a heartfelt guide to making Advent meaningful for families. She is also a mom of three and an outspoken believer who brings decades of experience bridging faith and the mainstream entertainment industry.

Call to Action:
What tradition could you reclaim this Christmas to make Christ the focus?How can you use a simple story, object, or moment to share the reason for the season with your children? Tune in, unwrap these ideas, and start a new tradition that keeps Jesus at the heart of your family’s celebration!

Resources:

The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditionsby Megan Alexander

Megan’s Website & Instagram

Catherine Website & Free Resources

Christmas is one of the most magical seasons for families&mdash;but in the midst of the bustle of parties, presents, and Pinterest-perfect traditions, how do we ensure our children keep Christ at the center of it all?
Catherine sits down with national TV host, actress, and best-selling author Megan Alexander to unwrap a timely question: How do Christian families actually keep Christ central during Christmas? Megan, who has been a familiar face on CBS&rsquo;s Inside Edition for over two decades and the producer of UPTV&rsquo;s &ldquo;Small Town Christmas,&rdquo; brings her unique insights in her newest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/True-Gifts-Christmas-Traditions-Cherish/dp/0829458972">The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions</a>. This beautiful Advent resource is designed to make celebrating the season both meaningful and manageable&mdash;especially for busy parents.
Key highlights from the episode include:
<ul>
<li>Reclaiming Christmas Traditions &ndash; Megan shares fascinating stories behind beloved customs, revealing their hidden spiritual roots&mdash;from the Christian symbolism of candy canes to legends like the poinsettia. Listeners will discover how stockings, Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies, and even bells can point children (and parents!) back to Jesus.</li>
<li>Making Christmas Memorable &amp; Manageable &ndash; The book isn&rsquo;t just a devotional, it&rsquo;s a coffee table conversation starter, filled with vibrant visuals and historical nuggets accessible to all ages. Catherine Segars notes, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not a sermon&hellip; it&rsquo;s an invitation to consider,&rdquo; making it a perfect gift, even for those who might not identify as Christian but need a positive encounter with Christ.</li>
<li>Practical Family Ideas &ndash; From flashlight candy cane hunts to placing candles near loved ones&rsquo; pictures, Megan shares creative, simple ways to anchor faith in everyday family traditions. Each activity is an opportunity to discuss the deeper meaning behind symbols and stories&mdash;turning ordinary moments into spiritual conversations.</li>
<li>Honoring Hope and Hardship &ndash; The episode thoughtfully addresses the reality that Christmas is not always &ldquo;roses.&rdquo; Stories like that of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the tradition of bells remind listeners that even in grief or difficulty, the hope of the gospel and the presence of Christ remain steadfast.</li>
</ul>
Notable quote: &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll never listen to bells the same. People are gathering; God is alive and well. There is hope in this world.&rdquo; &mdash; Megan Alexander
Listeners will walk away with:
<ul>
<li>Fresh inspiration to slow down and celebrate Advent with their kids</li>
<li>Easy ways to make faith tangible without adding stress to the holiday</li>
<li>New eyes to see Christ woven through the fabric of their favorite traditions</li>
</ul>
About the guest: Megan Alexander is a national TV correspondent, producer, and author. Her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/True-Gifts-Christmas-Traditions-Cherish/dp/0829458972">The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions</a>, is a heartfelt guide to making Advent meaningful for families. She is also a mom of three and an outspoken believer who brings decades of experience bridging faith and the mainstream entertainment industry.
Call to Action: What tradition could you reclaim this Christmas to make Christ the focus? How can you use a simple story, object, or moment to share the reason for the season with your children? Tune in, unwrap these ideas, and start a new tradition that keeps Jesus at the heart of your family&rsquo;s celebration!
Resources:
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/True-Gifts-Christmas-Traditions-Cherish/dp/0829458972">The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions</a> by Megan Alexander
Megan&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.meganalexander.com/">Website</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/MeganJAlexander1">Instagram</a>
Catherine <a href="https://catherinesegars.com/">Website</a> &amp; <a href="https://catherinesegars.com/resources">Free Resources</a>

The Christian Parent, Crazy World podcast with Catherine Segars equips moms and dads to be godly parents in a world that often opposes their faith. As a passionate apologist and seasoned communicator, Catherine unpacks the tough cultural issues facing families today, offering insightful, biblically grounded guidance. Each episode helps parents understand the challenges of our times and respond with wisdom, confidence, and grace.

Topics covered on this podcast include:
What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith
Can Our Words Change the Future?
Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith?
13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year
5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z
What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?
How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview 
Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children

Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

The Christian Parent, Crazy World&nbsp;podcast with Catherine Segars equips moms and dads to be godly parents in a world that often opposes their faith. As a passionate apologist and seasoned communicator, Catherine unpacks the tough cultural issues facing families today, offering insightful, biblically grounded guidance. Each episode helps parents understand the challenges of our times and respond with wisdom, confidence, and grace.
Topics covered on this podcast include:
<ul>
<li>What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith</li>
<li>Can Our Words Change the Future?</li>
<li>Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith?</li>
<li>13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year</li>
<li>5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z</li>
<li>What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?</li>
<li>How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview&nbsp;</li>
<li>Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children</li>
</ul>
Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Christian Parent, Crazy World is a podcast dedicated to helping you be a godly parent in an ungodly world.

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