More than 10 years ago the Daughters of St. Paul in Alexandria decided to create an event for families to help children grasp and understand the real meaning of Christmas. Instead of having a focus on Santa Claus and presents, they wanted to help them realize that on Dec. 25 they should be celebrating the birth of Christ.

With that idea in mind, they planned the first celebration of Jesus’ Birthday Party at Pauline Books and Media in Old Town.

This year about 120 families — including about 200 children — attended the two-day celebration last weekend.

Jesus’ Birthday party is like many others with cake, balloons and photo ops. In the Sisters’ chapel, families gather around a statue of Jesus lying in the manger dressed in costumes of Joseph, Mary, shepherds, kings and angels.

"We want to put it in a child’s language that we are celebrating the birthday of Jesus," said Daughters of St. Paul Sister Sean Mayer.

"I think it really helps them to understand why the celebration (of Christmas) is so joyful," said Daughters of St. Paul Sister Rebecca Hoffart, "and it helps them prepare more joyfully for Christmas."