Every year, it seems like the holiday season accelerates. One minute, we’re hanging the first strand of lights. The next, we’re juggling shopping lists, concerts, gift swaps and travel plans, trying to remember which grandchild wanted which video game, who’s allergic to what for the holiday dinner and whether we already bought wrapping paper or just stared at it in the aisle. 

By the time December hits full stride, it can feel like we’re sprinting through a season meant for peace and togetherness. That’s why two local organizations in Fruita and Montrose are offering something different this year. They’re inviting everyone to slow down, take a breath and rediscover the wonder and meaning of Christmas.

FRUITA’S ROAD TO BETHLEHEM

On a small farm outside Fruita, the Christmas story comes to life beneath the winter sky. 

The Road to Bethlehem began in 2019, when Corrie Jankevicius and her sister-in-law decided to turn Corrie’s new barn into something more than a place for animals. 

“We had just finished building our barn,” said Jankevicius, 52. “It was a time in my life when I was looking at what I could contribute to society and what my goals were.” 

With her sister-in-law promising to handle costumes, Jankevicius hosted a one-night event—and was surprised by the community’s response.

Since then, the living nativity has grown into a beloved tradition, drawing more than 2,500 visitors over two weekends last year. Families climb aboard hay wagons that rumble through dark fields, stopping at scenes where actors portray shepherds, wise men and even tax collectors. In the final scene, visitors step quietly into the stable to see Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus. 

John McElroy, 73, of Grand Junction, has played the head shepherd for several years. He hosts guests around a small fire and speaks as though he’s truly standing on that hillside outside Bethlehem.

“It’s been my privilege not only to share that shepherd experience, but what it meant to have a Messiah come into their lives,” he said.

The role has also drawn him closer to the true meaning of the season.

“To be involved in this,” he added, “it puts all the other trappings in the background—and that’s okay with me.” 

Not every night as a shepherd goes smoothly, though. McElroy recalled the excitement of the first year.

“One sheep really wanted to be someplace else!” he said. “It wasn’t until it got to the top of the rise that we finally corralled it and got it back.”

Volunteers bring the nativity story to life during Fruita’s Road to Bethlehem. Nativity photos by Samantha DeCosta Photography.

The event depends on more than 60 volunteers—many of them seniors—who build sets, manage registration, make cocoa and serve hot dinners to the cast and crew after each night’s final tour. 

“People come from many different church backgrounds to help out,” McElroy said. “It’s a wonderful way to share the experience.”

Visitors waiting for their hayride can explore “Nazareth,” a bustling village scene with music, crafts for kids, monologues and a petting zoo. Jankevicius’ family and neighbors provide the animals which, depending on the year, have included ponies, goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens and a friendly dog. 

“All ages enjoy it,” she said. “Just dress warmly!” 

MONTROSE’S CRECHE FESTIVAL

While the hay wagons are headed out in Fruita, the Community Crèche Festival in Montrose transforms an ordinary church hall on Hillcrest Drive into a miniature museum of faith and craftsmanship. 

“‘Crèche’ is a French word that means manger,” explained organizer Emily Maxwell. “We wanted a Christmas-season activity that brought the focus back to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” 

After attending similar festivals in other states, Maxwell and friends launched Montrose’s version last year, featuring more than 100 nativities from North and South America, Asia, Europe and Africa. This year promises even more. 

Volunteer Lori Armstrong has been involved from the start—and she knows her nativities. She’s been collecting them for decades. 

“My mother used to give me one every year,” she said. “Now, every surface of my house is covered with them!” 

Her collection includes everything from traditional wooden sets to playful versions. 

“I’ve got Eskimos with an igloo, a Native American one with a buffalo and even a rubber-duck nativity. That one sits on the kids’ table,” she said.

The festival invites contributors from across the community—church members, neighbors and anyone with a unique set to share. One family exhibited six nativities their sons brought home from missionary service in Japan, Guatemala, Venezuela and Mexico. Another volunteer built a delicate version out of stained glass. 

Out of more than 150 sets, Armstrong recalled seeing only two duplicates. 

“You see nativities in stores,” she said, “but this was like—oh my goodness—so many different styles and so many different types and sizes.” 

SHARED LIGHT, SHARED PURPOSE

Though one takes place under open skies and the other beneath church lights, both events share the same goal.

“We just want to encourage Christmas to be a time to remember the story of Baby Jesus and bring the community together in a wholesome, family-friendly way,” said Jankevicius. 

For those looking to slow down this season, these two celebrations offer peaceful reminders that the spirit of Christmas hasn’t disappeared. Sometimes, it just takes embarking on a little journey to find it.

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