The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

We are really enjoying this Christmas season.  December seems to be flying by way too fast but we are trying to make the most of it!  We started a new tradition this year.  I found a book that has a story and lesson that goes with each figure in the nativity set.  Each week we go over a different figure then place that figure with the set.  It has really been neat and helped us stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas.  This past Friday night was our church Christmas party.  Elise sang Oh Holy Night with her friend and the missionaries.  We have a friend who has been working with Elise on her singing.  He is very talented and is a big help.  He played the guitar while they sang.  Cameron played Jingle Bells on the piano and Conner made an origami Christmas tree to display.  Lindy was an angel in a little Christmas play the kids put on.  We had a fantastic night and Lindy was thrilled that Santa came to visit. 

We made our yearly trip to the mall on Saturday night to visit Santa.  Each year we get a family picture taken with him.  I then frame it and display it at Christmas time on my entry table.  It is fun to look at how much everyone changes each year.  We took my parents with us and went out to dinner.

Last night we had a Christmas caroling party at our house.  The only bummer is the rain! It was pouring! We went out caroling anyways with all our rain gear.  It really is fun to see the surprise on the faces of those we carol.  We always go to those we know and take them a plate of Christmas goodies.  After, we come back to the house.  We have dessert, hot cider and the kids make Christmas crafts.  It is something we will do every year. Our kids love it!