OK, So I Kind of Missed Christmas

December came and went and not only did I not keep up with blogging, but I didn't even keep up with taking pictures.  So, here is our December at a glance--with pics and without.

• Several recitals, including one piano and one dance and one jazz band competition.

• Caroling to neighbors with treats.
• Concert for mom (with no surprise blizzard--Yay!)
• Ward Christmas party.

• Reading a favorite Christmas story most nights and eating one chocolate from Advent calendar.

Other than that, I made a conscious effort to keep things simpler this season.  And it really paid off.  We didn't feel as frenzied as years past and we really spent a lot of time talking and focusing on the Savior.  

Our Christmas Eve was by far the best day of the season.  We started off with the traditional reading of Luke 2 while the family acted out the story.  Every year the kids climb through the dress up box to find "costumes" for the play.  And every year it gets a little more comical as the "costumes" get a little smaller on ever-growing bodies.  This year, Jack decided to take on the role of the animals.  First he was a donkey (that looked mysteriously like a tiger stretching out of its skin) and then he changed into the little sheep of the story.  Emmie was a very pregnant Mary, with her husband Joseph the wizard carpenter and Olivia the angel.  Mom got to be the "sore afraid" shepherds this year and dad got to narrate.

A highlight of our season was the second installment of what will definitely be a lasting family tradition.  The only presents under the tree were the ones hand made by every member of this family to every other member of this family.  Everyone worked so hard on their gifts this year and it was such a great exchange at our home.  We passed out the gifts, one giver at a time.  It was easy to see what the best part of the event was.  While everyone loved the things they received, the real excitement was in the gifts they were able to GIVE.  Giving is always the best part.  I hope they will learn this lesson from this tradition.  Here is what everyone made for everyone else.

After the exchange, they got to open jammies and then off to bed.  Christmas sure gets easier with age.  They didn't wake up until 5:30 this year (which is 30 minutes AFTER Josh and I have to wake up for seminary each day, so no problem).  And while Christmas morning was fun, the night before was better--more Christ-centered.  

We went to church and then fed the sister missionaries dinner and spent time on Skype with our family.  It was really a great time.  

We hope you all had a great Christmas too.