Each year, as winter softens and the promise of spring appears, our family marks the beginning of Lent with a few simple traditions. Lent is a season in the Christian calendar that lasts for forty days (not counting Sundays) and leads up to Easter. It is a time many Christians use to slow down, reflect, pray, and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
A Little History of Lent
The season of Lent has been observed by Christians for many centuries. Its forty days are inspired by the forty days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness preparing for ministry. Early Christians began setting aside a period of preparation before Easter as early as the 4th century. During this time, people focused on prayer, repentance, and often fasting from certain foods or habits.
While traditions can look different from family to family and church to church, the heart of Lent remains the same: creating space to draw closer to God and to remember the journey toward Easter morning.
Simple Ways Our Family Observes Lent
Over the years, we’ve discovered that the most meaningful Lenten traditions are the ones that gently weave reflection into everyday family life.
One of the first things we do is change the candles on our dining table. We replace our usual candles with purple ones, a color traditionally associated with Lent.
Purple represents reflection, preparation, and the quiet beauty of this season. It’s a small change, but it reminds us every evening at dinner that we are walking through this special time together.
Pretzels: A Tasty Tradition
Another favorite tradition in our home is making pretzels. Long ago, pretzels became connected with Lent because their shape resembles arms crossed in prayer. Some historians say that monks baked them as a simple food during fasting seasons.
For our family, pretzel baking day is both fun and meaningful. The kitchen fills with the smell of warm bread, and the kids love twisting the dough into their familiar shape. While we bake, we talk about how Lent is a time for prayer and gratitude.
Reading Together During Lent
Reading together is one of the most meaningful ways we mark the season.
One child-friendly devotional we enjoy is ‘Twas the Season of Lent. It helps guide conversations and gives our family small moments each day to pause and reflect.
We also love reading Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter, which includes thoughtful reflections from many Christian writers. The passages are beautiful and often spark meaningful discussions around the dinner table.
Another special book in our Lenten rhythm is The Word in the Wilderness: A Poem a Day for Lent and Easter by Malcolm Guite. Each day offers a poem that captures the emotions and meaning of the season in a powerful way. Poetry has a unique ability to slow us down, and this book helps us reflect on the journey toward Easter with fresh eyes.
A Season of Small, Meaningful Moments
Lent doesn’t have to be complicated or elaborate to be meaningful. For our family, it’s about small daily rhythms, lighting purple candles, sharing simple food, and reading words that help us reflect on faith and hope.
These simple traditions help us pause during busy days and remember the deeper story we are all a part of. And when Easter morning finally arrives, it feels even more joyful because we’ve walked the journey together.
Lent, at its heart, is an invitation-to slow down, to reflect, and to prepare our hearts for the celebration of new life!
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels (Perfect for Lent):
Soft pretzels are a wonderful meat-free treat for Lent. They’re warm, comforting, and fun to make with the whole family. This simple recipe creates soft, golden pretzels with that classic chewy texture and a sprinkle of salt on top.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the baking soda bath:
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
For topping:
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse salt
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. - Make the dough:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. - Let the dough rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Shape the pretzels:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into a pretzel shape. - Prepare the baking soda bath
Bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a gentle boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into the water for about 20-30 seconds, then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Add topping:
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. - Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm. Enjoy with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip.
Family Tip:
Invite kids to help roll the dough and twist the pretzel shapes. It’s a fun hands-on kitchen activity during Lent!
Hope you are finding time to slow down and prepare your heart this Lent!