A trompe-l'oeil border in the Ghent-Bruges style decorates the inside (left) margin and bottom of the recto. The border is strewn with pansies, strawberries, carnations and other flowering plants, as well as butterflies and snails.

A large miniature in Renaissance style marks the beginning of the responsory for Matins on Christmas Day. The miniature is set within a gold frame with curved arches in the upper corners.

The scene takes place inside a fantastical ruin made of grey stone or brick, with classical columns and pillars and a wooden roof. Mary kneels to the left, her hands clasped, wearing a blue cloak over a dark gown highlighted with gold. Joseph kneels to the right wearing a grey robe and red cloak, his hands clasped in prayer. The Christ child lies on a bed of straw at their feet while an ox and an ass behind the Holy Family lower their heads to gaze at the baby. Two shepherds look over a half wall on the right, and through the large opening in the wall to the left, another is seen tending a flock of sheep. A tiny trio of angels hovers in the upper left corner, holding a blank scroll.