We decorated the table with fresh greens, clementines and candy canes. The whole room smelled of fresh cut pine. We served soups and bread. Then people broke into groups and went caroling in the neighborhood. Like dancing--some people are too shy to carol but those who did had a great time. Afterward everyone met outside the church for cocoa and cookies (another Christmas favorite of mine) and to watch the Primary Christmas pageant. There were quite a few dissenting voices about having the pageant outside. But I thought it was lovely.
It was a comfortable 53 degrees (though some California natives complained about the cold). Actually I felt like the chill made the story feel more real. Standing on dewy grass under the stars, it was easy to imagine how it felt to be a shepherd. Will (standing next to Joseph) was a such a sweet a shepherd. I wish I had the chance to take a closer picture. John (the middle wise man) took his role very seriously. I love those moments when my rambunctious boy is still. Zoe was supposed to be Mary with Malachi (one of her presidential opponents) but it was her best friend's birthday party and she turned down the role of Mary (something she's been anticipating for years) to be with Mia. The pageant ended with us all singing silent night. I'm hoping I can keep some of the peace of that moment in my heart through all of December.
7 comments:
I think having the pageant outside is a marvelous idea! I wish our ward was having a Christmas party.
Sounds like a really lovely party. Terrific costumes for the nativity play-- John and Will look great.
Our ward is having a Christmas carnival for our party-- cake walk, face painting booth, Santa Claus fashion show-- you can imagine the dissenting voices about this party. Mine is not one of them. While I'd prefer something tasteful and religious, it's not easy planning something for 200 people.
This is just what I needed to hear. I've been feeling the December Dread since November, and I really need to change my attitude. What a lovely Christmas party you put together. Wish we could have been there!
I can feel the reverence just looking at this photo. Oh, Christmas is so good!
It looks like it turned out to be a lovely evening...wish we could be there. And hooray for no cold ham and runny potatoes!
That sounds like such a peaceful evening. I decided to do my best to get the present shopping and wrapping out of the way early this year so I'd have time to do more of the things I love in Dec. and its mostly working! Only thing I wish I didn't still have to do is Christmas cards. Otherwise I'm trying to enjoy the family moments and pagents and parties.
I love the opening line of this post. I feel the same way, but for different reasons. December=finals=grading stacks of papers.
Plus, who knew my wife didn't like the cold ham and runny potatoes? 12 years and I'm still learning new things about her :)
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