Christmas day fun #2

Again, we were mixing old and new traditions this year. My mother in law had changed her menu on Christmas eve from oyster and clam soup to a wonderful pork and turkey soup. We told her that was a good tradition to keep.

I told my kids for Christmas day, I was not going to do the traditional sit down turkey  and ham dinner. Rather I was putting a spiral ham in the crock pot and  we were going to have it buffet and serve yourself when you felt hungry. We went for nice sturdy disposable flatware, plates and cups, pretty napkins. Everyone added to the menu with mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and fruit and yummy desserts and candies.

We wanted to be able to enjoy the Lord and each other. Playing new games. reading new books, building new lego projects. Making plans for a winter hike this week( John and son)

Christmas Day fun #1

In times past before we moved back to Oregon, we would fly home.  John and I would go over and watch Peter and Heidi's family open presents.  This year, it was decided that both our kids's families would bring their gifts to our house to exchange.  The last time we did this, we had more toddling and crawling. None were driving! My husband still wanted to follow tradition too, so over to Heidi's we went.

helping mom

Spending time with mom yacking away

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful candlelight service. The Lord blessed us with Brother Dial leading us in Christmas songs to sing. Sister Carrie brought us a thought provoker on giving gifts. She had some beautiful gifts wrapped up and compared how or why we give our gifts. Some may have strings attached, a pretty box but empty inside, expecting something in return ,etc. She compared this to how we give our gifts to Jesus. this was followed by lighting our candles and circling the sanctuary sing silent night.  The spirit of God was so evident.  None of us wanted to leave and we continued singing.

John and I than went out to mom's. A well loved tradition and had  a simple supper followed by opening christmas presents. I do believe my mother in law is set for chocolate for awhile.