Christ-Centered Christmas Traditions Rooted in Simplicity

Please Share!

Last updated on December 11th, 2025 at 08:39 pm

The chill of winter settles over the land, carrying delicate snowflakes that blanket the cold ground. Inside, the woodstove crackles, while I make my personal favorite drink, eggnog. The Christmas tree is set up in the corner and a simple nativity is set up on the kitchen table, as the entire house fills with that quiet, sacred anticipation of our Christ centered Christmas traditions.

Please read our Disclaimer and Terms & Conditions

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year — right next to Easter — but just like Easter, its true meaning can get buried beneath the buying, the rushing, and the endless advertisements. On our Scandinavian-inspired homestead, we try to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember why we celebrate at all.

These three Christ-centered Christmas traditions help our family stay focused on the Savior and the peace He brings. They’re simple, meaningful, and rooted in faith — perfect for families wanting to weave purpose, scripture, and a touch of Scandinavian coziness into their Christmas season.

---

1. Scandinavian Candle Advent Tradition (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love)

This is our newest tradition, and it has quickly become one of the most meaningful.

Beginning four Sundays before Christmas, we light one candle each week. We have added scriptures to create a Christ-centered theme:

• Hope – Matthew 1:21
• Peace – Isaiah 9:6
• Joy – Luke 2:8–12
• Love – John 3:16

As we light each candle, we gather as a family, read the verse associated with that week, and talk about how the Savior brings that gift into our lives. It’s a special time on Sunday to start the week with being grateful for what God has given us and even how we could share it ourselves with others.

It’s a simple Scandinavian-inspired rhythm — firelight, Scripture, reflection — that gently pulls our hearts back to Him.

---

2. Nativity Hide-and-Seek (Our Daughter’s Favorite!)

If there’s one tradition our daughter looks forward to all year, it’s this one.

Beginning December 1st, we hide one piece of our nativity scene each night. A little “magical” stuffed lamb is the one who hides the pieces (the lamb symbolizes Christ, or a lamb who witnessed His birth). Each morning, our daughter searches for the hidden figure, and that evening we read the scriptures about that person.

Here is the schedule we use:

• Dec 1–4: Mary – Luke 1:26–38
• Dec 5–8: Joseph – Matthew 1:18–25
• Dec 9–12: Shepherds – Luke 2:8–20
• Dec 13–16: Wise Men – Matthew 2:1–12
• Dec 17–20: Angel – Matthew 2:13–23
• Dec 21–23: The Lamb or Sheep Figure (or Baby Jesus if you don’t have a lamb) – John 1:29; 1 Nephi 13:40; 2 Nephi 2:7; 3 Nephi 1:1-23
• Dec 24: Baby Jesus – Luke 2:1–7; 30–32

This slow, day-by-day unfolding of the Nativity helps our daughter understand who each person was and why they matter in Christ’s story.

These scriptures aren’t for the purpose of telling the complete story of the nativity, but to give parents and children the opportunity to discuss the events further and learn more about the nativity and Christ. I truly believe the more we discuss the Savior and His life the stronger the family becomes.

---

3. Candlelit Christmas Eve Dinner

Christmas Eve is one of the most peaceful nights of the year on our farm. We keep it slow and reverent with a simple Scandinavian-inspired candlelit meal. My family has done this traditions for several generations. However, I have tweaked it with my own family. Growing up we had cheese and crackers, little weenies, rolls, hot chocolate, and eggnog. With my own family we wanted to make the meal more symbolic and Christ centered.

We have:

• Challah bread – representing the 12 tribes
• Lamb roast – reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God
• Flatbread, cheeses, and fresh fruit — simple foods that bring us together

The great thing about this tradition is you can add whatever food you want. You don’t have to eat what we eat. All you really need are the candles that represent the light of Christ.

For a fun and unique Christmas Eve morning, we enjoy ebelskivers (those delightful little Scandinavian pancake balls) for breakfast — warm, cozy, and perfect for the day. We make enough to have on Christmas Day.

---

Bonus: The Service Manger Tradition

You can buy a manger or make one together as a family. Keep a small basket or bundle of straw nearby.

Each night leading up to Christmas, ask everyone:

“Who did you serve today?”

Every act of service earns one piece of straw for the manger. The acts of service can range from smiling at someone in the store to shoveling out someones driveway.

By Christmas Eve, the manger becomes full — a soft, warm place prepared for Baby Jesus. It’s a beautiful reminder that loving and serving others is how we prepare our hearts for Him.

---

Conclusion

Christmas truly is a magical season, but even more than that — it is holy. It’s a time to slow down and reflect on what truly brings us joy. It’s a time to bundle up and cozy up to our family. We love these simple, Christ-centered traditions. We hope they can also help slow things down and turn your hearts toward the One who brings hope, light, and redemption.

May your Christmas be filled with warmth, faith, and the quiet joy that comes from remembering the Savior.

Please Share!