Christmas Eve-2009

On Christmas Eve we had a great time. As a family, we went and saw the movie "Frog Princess." The movie was a little interesting, but the kids enjoyed it. They loved that grandma got them yummy popcorn to eat while watching the movie.

It is a tradition in my family to have a yummy Christmas Eve dinner. We use my mom's nice snowman plates, drink sparkling cider and eat by candle light. Christmas Eve dinner 2009 did not disappoint. The food was great! I think Brandon's favorite part was the Danish Dessert my mom made.

After dinner, the kids help make cookies for Santa.When the cookies were made, the kids each opened up one Christmas present. The kids were very excited for their new pajamas. I loved how Ben gave his new Spiderman pajamas a big hug when he saw them.When everyone was in their pajamas, we read/acted out the Nativity story (another tradition in my family is reading the nativity story on Christmas Eve). Everyone was assigned a part to act out as my dad read the nativity story from the book of Luke in the Bible. Since Hyrum's school nativity was fresh in his mind, he helped coach everyone in their specific roles.

Grandpa was the narratorHyrum was Joseph. He took very good care of MaryEmmy played the role of Mary. Emmy gave many loves to baby Jesus. Sean was the Innkeeper
Millie was the Angel GabrielBen was the Wisemen
Waiting for his cueGiving his present to baby Jesus
Grandma was the "bad guy," King Herod. In the picture below, the wiseman decided he would not tell King Herod where the baby Jesus was. He wasn't giving any of his time to the "bad guy."Needless to say, the nativity was pretty funny to watch. However, the kids took their specific roles very seriously and played their part. I think there is such a sweet spirit when little children are playing the sacred roles of Mary and Joseph.After dinner, the kids helped make cookies for Santa. When the kids finished the nativity they each wrote a letter to Santa.As Emmy was making scribbles on her paper she said, " I was a good girl." It was too funny!The kids made sure there was a nice plate of cookies and a cup of milk for Santa that evening. They also made sure there was a plate of carrots for the reindeers.

There was such a fun spirit in the house when we went to bed the evening!