Christmas in our Stake- Englands

Hello everyone,

Here are a couple of traditions that we've enjoyed with our children, and now with our grandchildren as well.

After dinner on Christmas Eve and before the kids have their bath the doorbell will ring. As Mom asked who might be at the door, the kids rush to see who it is. Upon opening the door they find a festive looking parcel. They gather up the parcel and take it into the house. Upon opening the gift they discover a new set of pajamas for each of them from Santa. Somehow Santa has once again found their house and delivered new pajamas to each of them and even in the right sizes. (They never seem to see Dad around just before the doorbell rings ; ) 

After the kids are all bathed and wearing their new PJ's the evening continues in the following manner:

We gather all the children around the table in our living room. We have figurines from our Nativity set nearby. The manger is placed upon the table. A nativity figurine is then given to each child. Each child might have a few figurines depending on how many children there are. The room is cozy with dimmed lights and lots of Christmas decorations twinkling and shimmering.

Then Dad begins to read the Christmas story aloud as found in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2. As the story progresses each child is cued to place a figurine on the table surrounding the manger. The crowning event is the placing of Baby Jesus in the manger and this is usually done by the youngest child. Dad then reads from Matthew, Chapter 2, the story of the wise men, and the remaining figurines are placed surrounding the Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. 

At the conclusion of the stories a birthday cake with a single lighted candle is brought into the room by Mom as "Happy Birthday" is sung to the Saviour.

We've always found that this celebration has set a spiritual tone to Christmas Eve. The children really enjoy it and seem to better connect with the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to All,

Submitted by Lynn & Paul England