A Night in Bethlehem:

On Saturday night, we attended our Ward Christmas Party.
The night was focused on the night that Christ was born.

We got an "invite" saying that we must be "taxed (bring canned food) and counted" and were to dress in the proper attire. I have to admit, I wasn't excited about the night. The kids wanted Santa and I wanted a short program where I could talk to people.

NOT TONIGHT!

All was quite and full of reverence...two things my family seems to struggle with.

This should be interesting...

When we got to the church, the lights were dimmed, we were given our "coins" to buy our food at the "market" and were ushered into the chapel.

I was a bit worried, Carson and Cassie don't know how to be still and quite, but surprisingly, they were good. A "Roman Soldier" was there and Cassie said "Look, a pirate is here!" Last time I checked there was no pirates at Christ's birth. Carson then processes to say, "Boys do not wear skirts!"

***Note to Self: Reread the birth of Christ again with my children and go over the details again so they know them better.***

So, we enter the gym and the committee (and Dan/Curtis) set up the gym to look like a market square where there was food, crafts, and games for us to play. We were even given gifts of gold, frankincense, and muir to take home to remember this evening.

Members of the ward reenacted the birth of Christ and we all sang Christmas songs.

It really added to the evening.

I have to admit again that even though I had a sour feeling about the evening and honestly not looking forward to it, it ended up turning into a fun and meaningful night for both the kids and even myself.

It was a nice change from the past 2 years, where I had to plan (and be 100% in charge of )the ward parties. Maybe it was because I didn't have a say, things were done for us; decorating/food was prepared by other people, I could relax and enjoy the evening.

Either way, the night was fun and was controlled chaos. The committee did a great job and it was a nice remember of what this season is all about.