Christmas Stuff

(originally published March 17th, 2016)

Well, it's about time I say a little something about the goings-on at Christmastime.  We had a good December this year, with fun things kept to a manageable pace.  It worked out well.  Here are some things we did during the first Twelve Days of December.

Polar Express Train Ride

We've done this for the last few years now and it's always a lovely way to spend an evening.  It didn't disappoint this year.  This is a fun miniature train that plays Christmas music and rides through festive lights to Santa's house, then after taking pictures with Santa the ride back to the starting point is flanked by large pictures and scenes from Christ's life and accompanied by sacred Christmas music.

Trimming the Tree

We decided to try our luck and buy a cheap tree from a grocery store this year.  We didn't even see what it looked like unwrapped until we got it home, but luckily it was beautiful.  We bought it on a Saturday night and Ben and Cat got it set up in the stand that night but I told the kids it was too late to decorate it that night; it would have to wait until tomorrow.  I intended to work on it as a family in the afternoon, after church, but the kids couldn't wait that long.  I might have been a little late to ward choir practice that morning, but it's alright.

Handbell Performance

I took the kids to a Christmas performance by the Utah Valley Handbell Choir at the Provo Library one evening and it was really cool.  We all had a good time watching the performers play the various bells.  The kids who could read were also invited to come play handchimes, and Cat and Jack had a good time with that too.

Real Santa Pictures

We waited in a long line at an outdoor mall one cold evening to get a picture with our favorite Santa.  He took the time to talk to the kids, and they were excited to see him.  I think this is the happiest Eliza's ever been with Santa.