| “Lessons and Carols” is presented by the Simpson College music department and the Chaplain’s office. This year, the service was shortened and filmed ahead of time to ensure the safety of all participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than musicians and readers entertaining a capacity crowd at Smith Chapel, they read and performed in small ensembles while wearing masks in an empty sanctuary. 

The time-honored Simpson holiday tradition first took place in the 1970s and is modeled after the traditional English Christmas celebration, “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.”