Christmas Eve

While we missed our extended families terribly this Christmas, I must say, it was nice having some quiet time with just our own little family; especially since the Mr. was able to be home for it!

After finishing the Yule Log on Christmas Eve, we donned hats/scarves/gloves and our little candles and went caroling to deliver some simple treats to our friends and neighbors.  We were graciously received and had a LOT of fun!  After 10 houses, the children, though freezing, still wanted to continue!  But we reminded them that there were still more Christmas Eve activities waiting at home!

As soon as we returned home, we began dressing in our Nativity "costumes".  Angel wanted to be the angel, Grins, the innkeeper, shepherd and wiseman, and Wiggles chose to be Baby Jesus.  That is, until she learned that her part involved simply lying in the manger; at which point she decided to play the part of Mary, "if Daddy is 'Thoseph' ".  I was the narrator and photographer.  We read Luke 2 and acted along, pausing for hymns in the appropriate places.

Tell me that's not the cutest little Mary you've ever seen - with the Baby Jesus in her tummy poking out the top of her shirt.

 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all ^athe world should be ^btaxed.

 2 (And this ^ataxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called^aBethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5 To be taxed with Mary his ^aespoused wife, being great with child.

Mary rides the donkey to Bethlehem.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7 And she brought forth her ^afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the ^binn.

 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the ^aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.

 11 For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord.

 12 And this shall be a ^asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14 ^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.

 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 16 And they came with ^ahaste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and ^apondered them in her heart.

Matthew 2: 9 When (the wise men) had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

 11 ¶And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and ^afrankincense, and myrrh.

   

After completing our little Nativity performance, we enjoyed a delicious Bethlehem feast seated on the ground, with our hands, the way Mary and Joseph would have eaten.  We enjoyed lamb, couscous, pear and goat cheese salad, and some figs for dessert.

After finishing our feast, we changed into our pajamas, quickly sprinkled "Reindeer Food" on the front lawn, left some cookies and notes for Santa Claus, and were off to bed!