Actress Candace Cameron Bure says Christmas for her family is very much about Jesus and sharing him with others, before it's about what gifts they might receive.

The shops and malls are getting busier as the countdown to the big day approaches and while Bure admits that the sharing of gifts is a nice part of Christmas, her family like to do something that celebrates Jesus.

The Full House actress is married to former professional hockey player Valeri Bure and they have three children together.

She reveals to Fox and Friends that going to a homeless shelter is something of a tradition for her family.

"Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year and its so special, so meaningful," Bure told FOX & Friends.

"With my family...we go to a homeless shelter in the morning when we wake up on Christmas...and serve 30-40 people, sit down eat with them, and share the gospel message.It's what we do."

She told Fox that she and her husband have tried to raise their children with an appreciation of the deeper meaning of Christmas beyond all the gifts.

While there is "nothing wrong with gift giving at all", Bure said they also made sure they were second to Jesus.

"We like to give the gift first and share the message of Jesus Christ and then give presents after," she said.

Bure, the sister of actor Kirk Cameron, will be starring in the Hallmark show Christmas Under Wraps, which airs this Saturday.