Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve has always been an important tradition with my mother's side of the family. We always got together for a night of family, fun, food, and a Christmas program. Now that my grandmother has passed on, my mother carries on that tradition at her house. We start off with wonderful food and visiting with each other. After everyone has eaten way too much (at least me:), we go into the front room for our program.
The most important part is of course, the nativity story. Lance, being the only "older" boy always gets the blessing of playing Joseph.


This year, it was Sierra's turn to play Mary. Doesn't she looks so sweet as she holds her baby cousin Grant, who played the part of Jesus so beautifully?

I need to frame this one. Why? Because these two are actually sitting by each other and not fighting. Miracles happen during the Christmas season:).

We were blessed to hear some beautiful musical numbers from my cousins and uncle....by James and Lybi (above) and the Tenney men (below). Beautiful voices!

The older children played musical numbers. So, Sierra and Lance played the piano.

Here are the cutest shepherds around! l to r: Justin, Weston, Charlotte, Joey, and Adam.

Of course, you have to have angels in a nativity story. Hannah, the oldest, played the angel Gabriel. Kathleen, Rachel, and Paige were darling little angels.

Samuel and Zane were wisemen who brought gifts to the Christ child. I think Tim was the third, but I am not sure where he is:).

too cute!

We sang more songs and played the bells while we sang.

Zane was intent on playing his note at the right time!

Then, who comes to our party? Santa!!!

The kids got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Weston was a little nervous about it.

Zane played along. But, everyone was skeptical cause those eyes and that voice sounded too familiar. oh well. It was fun. Sierra was onery and wouldn't play the game. She's lucky Santa still brought her things the next morning.

Lance was a great sport and jumped right on Santa's lap asking for a "kiss". A what?! Yes, a kiss. hmmm. no comment. Lance thought he was tooooo funny. Santa didn't give him what he asked for....just incase you were wondering.

The kids then all got to open their present from Grandpa and Grandma. The older two were given a book and money. Yea, those big kids love money....probably a little too much. Look at Lance's grin. Zane was given a airhog to fly around. Wes was given a CARS blanket made by grandma along with a Cars toy.

"Thanks" Grandpa and Grandma for a wonderful evening of yummy food and family togetherness. It truly is a beautiful time of year as we celebrate our Savior's birth here on earth....the lights, the music, the family time, and even the gifts are fun:).

Merry Christmas!

Here's a very short clip of Sierra playing the piano that evening.