It's no secret. Christmas Eve is my absolute favorite day of the year. This year we hosted our traditional Christmas Eve party and program for the first time in our new home. Which made it all the more exciting and special (and clean-up a thousand times easier with a dishwasher at last). We ate (a ton). We talked (a lot). We laughed (even more). The kids counted nativity sets (there were 24). We told stories (about Christmas). We dressed up (Lydia and Eliza were angels, Clayton was a wise man, Brigham wore a wise man's robe but was a shepherd, Isaac was Joseph again, Nate was wicked King Herod, and I was um, Herod's wife.) We sang (very well, if I do say so). And we read the account of our Saviors birth (which I never ever get tired of reading).
The highlight of the night was the "best Christmas pageant ever" moment when the angel of the Lord (Eliza) swiped the baby from the manger during the "Angels We Have Heard on High" recitative and protective Joseph (Isaac) attempted to snatch it back with the shepherd crook. A full blown tug-o-war ensued across Mary's lap. And we caught it all on tape. Towards the end you'll see Mary turn to me with that panicked, "Will you do something?" look. She's right. I should have intervened sooner - but for the love of the film, I recorded the whole brawl. You can thank me later. The next clip captures everyone in the room singing "Joy to the World". You'll notice Isaac in the corner for time out. You'll also notice Eliza still holding the baby. That's just how things swing around here. Enjoy.
Here's the food. Pulled pork sandwiches. Texas corn dip. Hot artichoke dip. stuffed mushrooms. Spinach dip. Fruit. Veggies. I wish I would have taken a picture of the dessert table. It was quite the smorgasbord.
Brig and Riggs sword fighting with their crooks.
Gabby captivating everyone with her story.
The three wise people. Except Brigham was really a shepherd.
Here they are presenting their gifts of gold chocolate coins.
Here's Eliza - the scraggly-haired, baby-stealing angel. Even so. . . she was (as always) too cute for words.
Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!
May the good times last until we do this all again next year!
3 comments:
Emily, Emily, Emily, what can I even say about your amazing Christmas activities? I think you've earned a New Year's nap. What DARLING kids and an AMAZING mother. Love it all!
Oh how cute! Do you have little books with the pagent all written out? I would LOVE a copy if you wouldn't mind sharing...
Yeah. . . It's not that professional. I wrote it a few years ago. But I'll email you a copy if you want.
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