Lifestyles of the Crazy and Insane: Christmas Eve

Showing posts with label Christmas Eve. Show all posts

Jan 1, 2016

Nativity 2015

HAPPY 2016!

May this be a happy, healthy, and blessed year for you and yours.

We haven't acted out the Nativity for years.

Clint and I decided this is a yearly Christmas tradition we'd like for our family to have.

We feel it is important to center our Christmas on the Savior and His birth. Hopefully this year will be the beginning of many nativity plays to come.

MEET THE CAST:

(Note: each child chose their own part)

Mary- #2

Joseph- #4

Baby Jesus- #6

Angel- #5

Shepherd- #3

Wise Man- #1

Narrator- Clint

Photographer- Rachael

Luke 2

1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should betaxed.

3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and theglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David aSaviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Matthew 2

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Dec 31, 2015

Secret Santas

A few years ago we started this Secret Santa tradition. Each of our children draw a name. Throughout the month, they do secret acts of service for that person. They also give a small gift to that person. We exchange the Secret Santa gifts during our Christmas Eve festivities.

This year we started with the youngest to oldest giving their Secret Santa gift to the person they drew.

#6 --> #2

#5 --> #1

#4 --> #6

#3 --> #5

#2 --> #4

#1 --> #3

Dec 29, 2015

Gingerbread House Throw-Down 2015

Last year, we started a new Christmas Eve tradition-

The Gingerbread House Throw-Down
Guys vs Girls

This year, the guys meticulously planned out their design

They really thought through how they wanted to decorate their house.
When I say they thought it through, I really mean they THOUGHT it through.

While Team Girls was halfway through with their house,

Team Guys was still thinking

and thinking. . .

Team Girls is almost finished

while on the otherside of the table, Team Guys have finally finished all that thinking, and have come up with a plan.

I've got to give credit to #2 who instead of going for the 'WIN', she went for the 'GIVE', and let her little sisters do most of the piping and decorating.

I love how the kids place boxes up so the other team can't see what they're doing and copy off them.

Finally each team was finished, and it was time for the reveal. . . . .
Which team would you choose as the Champions?

Here we have TEAM GIRLS

front

and side

And TEAM GUYS
front

and side.

The judges (Dad and Grandma & Grandpa) chose TEAM GUYS as the winner!

Dec 29, 2014

Christmas Eve 2014

At the Collins' house, Christmas Eve is a busy exciting day. The kids are restless with anticipation for the big celebration. Dad is working, and Mom is trying to have fun with the kids while finishing up any last minute Christmas preparations all while not going crazy.

So I do what my mom use to do with me growing up - Have a Sugar Cookie Decorating Party.

This keeps my kids entertained for hours, plus after, you have some pretty tasty cookies to leave out for Santa.

Once Dad finally made it home from work, the Christmas Eve festivities began. Starting with a dinner of snack foods- pizza rolls, chips and dip, a cheese ball, fruit and veggie trays, curly fries, and of course, cookies.