Discover the true spirit of Christmas with poems that inspire reflection and joy.
Updated November 20, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
There are so many things that Christmas can be. But what is Christmas? Let these poems answer that question for you or at least give you thoughts to reflect upon.
Exploring Christmas traditions, symbols, and the holiday's true meaning.
"What is Christmas," the little girl did ask,
"It seems like such a task."
I thought about Christmas before I gave a reply.
I wanted to answer properly, I did not want to lie.
Is Christmas all the trees and lights?
Is that what makes Christmas so bright?
Or, is Christmas Santa Claus and gifts,
Or, checking off our long to-do lists?
Is Christmas meant to be a stressful time of year,
With little time to spend with those who are dear?
Or, is Christmas a time to decorate all -
Our house, the church, and even the hall?
Or, is Christmas a time to buy expensive gifts
Or, is it the first snow that falls, and the snow drifts?
The meaning of Christmas can soon disappear
When not meeting a standard becomes a fear.
No, no, my mind was saying,
It started with Jesus in a manger laying.
A glorious night the angels did say
To the shepherds where the sheep did lay.
Christmas is the gift of love.
God sent his Son from above.
Christmas is a time of peace and joy
Love for people, girls, and boys.
Christmas is a feeling of sharing
Where people feel others are caring.
All these other things that have materialized
Are not the true meaning of Christmas, I realized.
To the little girl, an answer I did say:
"It was a gift from God and His way
To show us His love, by sending His Son.
A blessing to teach us how to love everyone."
Christmas Poems About Jesus
What is Christmas, you may ask,
More than gifts and festive tasks?
It’s love and hope that brightly gleam,
A Savior’s birth, a sacred theme.
Beneath the lights and mistletoe,
The truest meaning starts to grow:
Peace on earth, goodwill to all,
A humble Child, a manger stall.
Related: Christian Christmas Poems
Reflection on the essence of Christmas as a time of love, peace, and giving.
When the hustle and bustle is over
And the last of the gifts has been wrapped,
And the cookies and cakes are all ready
For the big Christmas plans you have mapped;
When the children are quiet and dreaming
of the presents Saint Nick will bestow,
And the fire on the hearth burns less brightly,
And the clock has struck twelve long ao;
You relax by the embers and ponder
On this happiest evening of all . . .
On the meaning of Christmas to mankind
By Christ's birth in the low cattle stall.
In the giving of gifts upon Christmas,
People pattern the Father above
Who, in giving His Son, gave His best gift . . .
So the meaning of Christmas is love.
Christmas Poems About Love
Christmas shines with love so bright,
A season filled with pure delight,
With every gift and hand we lend,
It’s peace and joy we seek to send.
The heart of giving, warm and true,
Brings light to all in all we do,
For in this time, we come to see,
The gift of love is meant to be.
Related: Short Inspirational Christmas Poems
Focus on the celebration of Jesus’ birth and family gatherings.
Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday,
Bringing joy and love in every way.
At its core, it celebrates the birth,
Of Jesus Christ, being born on this earth.
Families gather, hearts are filled with delight,
As carols ring out on the holy night.
In this season of giving and spreading cheer,
May Christmas bless all, throughout the year.
Christmas Blessings
A star shines bright on Bethlehem’s night,
Guiding hearts with heaven’s light,
For unto us, a child is born,
A Savior’s love, this Christmas morn.
We gather close, our family near,
To share in joy, to hold what's dear,
With laughter, meals, and prayers we raise,
In humble thanks, in songs of praise.
For in His birth, our hope is found,
With love and peace, we’re tightly bound,
This time we cherish, pure and true,
A gift of grace, both old and new.
Related: Christmas Messages For Family
Exploring non-material gifts: love, time, caring, and kindness, as symbols of Christmas.
Christmas is the giving of gifts
to one another.
But is there a gift that is
better than others?
Consider gifts that
Money can't buy
It means more than
a gift priced high.
The gift of love is priceless
It means more than you can guess.
The gift of time is precious
Time can not be purchased.
The gift of caring is meaningful,
Making the world more beautiful.
The gift of sharing is thoughtful,
Restoring faith in the doubtful.
The gift of kindness can impact a person
much better than giving a sermon.
The gift of laughter
takes the focus off what doesn't matter.
God gave us his Son,
A gift that money couldn't buy
A gift that was a miracle
For the world a pinnacle.
Christmas Poems About Hope
The greatest gifts aren't bought or sold,
But hearts that give and hands that hold,
A love that's shared, a moment's care,
These treasures fill the Christmas air.
It's time we spend, a kind embrace,
A gentle smile, a peaceful space,
For all these gifts, both small and true,
Are Christmas wrapped in all we do.
Related: God's Christmas Gift
Recognizing Christmas as a season for gratitude, community, and spreading goodwill.
Christmas is a time for introspection deep,
Gratitude for blessings, both small and steep.
In this season, goodwill we spread with care,
Generosity and love we all declare.
As we come together in community bright,
Sharing joy and kindness, in the warmest light.
May this spirit of giving stay with us all year,
Wishing peace and happiness to all, sincere.
Christmas Quotes
Christmas brings a time to share,
A season filled with grateful prayer,
For all we have and those we love,
A gentle blessing from above.
With open hearts, we spread goodwill,
A simple act, a kindness still,
For in this time of joy and light,
We shine our best, both warm and bright.
Related: Christmas Time Is
More "What Is" Poems
Summing up the messages from the poems and encouraging a reflective celebration of the holiday season.
As we reflect on these Christmas poems, a beautiful, timeless message shines through: Christmas is far more than gifts, decorations, or busy schedules.
It’s a season of deep love, inspired by God’s ultimate gift to humanity - the birth of His Son, Jesus.
This holiday invites us to share love, spread kindness, and experience peace in our hearts and homes. Christmas also encourages us to give generously, in ways that go beyond material gifts, like offering time, kindness, and care to others.
Through each line, these poems remind us to celebrate Christmas not only as a joyful holiday but as an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Let us embrace the true spirit of Christmas by filling the season—and the coming year—with warmth, compassion, and a heart open to the blessings around us.
More Christmas Poems to inspire and celebrate the season
Answers to questions about Christmas.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolizes love, hope, and kindness. It’s also a season for sharing, generosity, and spending time with loved ones.
December 25th was chosen by early Christians to mark Jesus’ birth, aligning with the Roman winter solstice festival. It has been celebrated on this date in many parts of the world for centuries.
Common traditions include decorating a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, attending church services, singing Christmas songs, and sharing meals with family and friends. Each tradition celebrates the joy and spirit of the season.
Santa Claus, inspired by Saint Nicholas, is a popular Christmas figure known for bringing gifts to children. He symbolizes generosity and the magic of giving during the holiday.
While Christmas is rooted in Christian beliefs about the birth of Jesus, many people of diverse backgrounds celebrate it as a time for family, kindness, and giving, making it meaningful for many around the world.
Common symbols include the Christmas tree, lights, nativity scenes, wreaths, stars, and angels. Each symbol holds special meaning, such as hope, peace, and the spirit of unity.
The tradition of giving gifts represents the gifts given to Jesus by the Wise Men and symbolizes love and generosity. Today, it’s a way to show appreciation and joy to loved ones.
The Christmas spirit means embodying kindness, joy, and compassion. It encourages people to come together, help others, and celebrate the good in each other.
To make Christmas more meaningful, focus on spending quality time with loved ones, helping those in need, and reflecting on the values of love, gratitude, and kindness that Christmas represents.
Yes, all of our poems are copyrighted. However, if you wish to use one of our poems for personal use you have our permission and they are free to use. However, if the poems are for commercial use please contact us for guidelines and permission.
Yes, see our submission guidelines, how to submit, and the review process on our submit a poem page.