New Traditions - Christmas Eve

I've been asking around,

mainly Kate (Nick's girlfriend) and Lizzie,

what their family traditions are for Christmas Eve.

We used to act out the Nativity then watch a Christmas movie,

but with just five adults for our Eve festivities, a change was needed.

I wanted something that focused on the Savior's birth,

something with active participation and something that was not only 

spiritual, but also fun. Not too long, but not something "we sat through" (the nativity reading)

until we got to "the fun part" (Christmas Movie).

And, something that could become a new tradition.

I spent a couple hours creating the plan

while Dan got potato casserole and green bean casseroles

prepped for tomorrow's dinner.

Aunt Marge arrived in the late afternoon. 

We haven't seen her in a long time and everyone was so happy she came.

We had Christmas Eve dinner at Tuscany with a Prix Fixe menu.

I liked that it was close and we were seated right away.

Also that it was easier to talk without the crowds of Asian Star.

Salad or clam chowder to start.

prime rib, lobster ravioli or duck as entrees.

black velvet cake or figgy bread pudding for dessert.

Back at home we stayed in our dinner clothes for the program,

then changed into comfy clothes afterward for the movie.

Each person drew a Star and a Christmas tree.

The star showed you what figurine you placed in the Nativity,

and what part you read from the scriptures. (Luke 2:1-16; Matthew 1:23, 2:1-11)

After you read five verses,

we did the activity that corresponded to the number on your Christmas tree.

The whole thing took about 45 minutes.

Testimonies of Christ was an 18 minute video.

Names of Christ--everyone shared a name that Christ was to them this year

and the name that they needed him to be in the coming year and why.

(I quickly made the word cloud with an online app, WordArt).

For 2023: 

Angela -- Creator (new phase of life, also writing)
Dan -- Deliverer (focus on service)

Marge -- Creator (so much beauty in the world)

Chris -- Rabbi/Teacher (in school and studies)

Nick -- The Way (preparing for college and mission)

Amy Grant sing-along to Emmanuel -- Oh, yes I did.

Everyone participated and it made all my Christmas dreams come true.

Handbells to Christmas Bells

A wonderful celebration of our Savior and his birth, 

and I was so grateful everyone willingly took part.

We changed into comfy pajamas to watch The Muppets Christmas Carol. 

Just as the movie ended, Marty and Lizzie got home from Rosen's celebration.

Before we knew it, the boys had a game of 21 going while

Lizzie and I worked on the puzzle.

They brought the box of change hoping to bet with quarters,

but honestly, sorting through the coins brought more joy than anything else!

Loving Marty's, "Hey Lizzie! Check this out, here's a coin from Mexico!"

"Hey Lizzie, this one's from Australia!"

"Hey Lizzie, have you ever seen 20 pounds from England?"

We also found part of a molar.

And we stayed up way, way, way too late!

Merry Christmas Eve!