Christmas Kickoff

We had warm feelings about family after our Christmas Kickoff gathering on Friday at the cabin. (Some of this feeling may have been hold-over from Thanksgiving and the Sunday Thanksgiving-Birthday dinner.) We just enjoyed these times with family so much.

We started the evening with a spaghetti dinner. While the dessert was baking, I presented a Christmas message to the family. We sang our family carol, O Beautiful Night, then I talked about why it was beautiful. First, that the night when the Savior was born probably a beautiful warm evening in the early Spring. The shepherds could have their sheep grazing on new grass on the hillsides near Bethlehem. This timing is thought by many to have been confirmed by the revelation to the Prophet at the time of organization of the Church which in states that as of April 6th, 1830, it had been exactly eighteen hundred and thirty years since Christ came in the flesh. Second, the night was beautiful because it was the start for the fulfillment of Great Plan of Redemption, which was anticipated with joy from before the foundation of the earth, and of which all of the prophets in all ages testified. The joy in the heavens spilled over into this earth, with angelic choirs heard by mortals, as they said, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

Surprisingly, Christopher found an almond among the cherries in his dessert and became King. (See picture.) He led a march up, down, and around the various levels of the cabin, then helped us distribute first Christmas gifts (socks) to the grand-kids.

Then came the White Elephant gift exchange. With some hesitation, we contributed a can of collards from our mission. We hope that Nathan and Gloria enjoy, and after eating them on New Years Day, that they will prosper in 2011 (NC tradition).

After the gift exchange, we retired to the piano on the mezzanine level, where we did the Hallelujah Chorus with Emilie at the keyboard and all parts represented. Then we sang carols accompanied by Alyssa, Heidi, and others at the player piano.

Saturday breakfast for those staying overnight was Wendy’s famous apple pancakes, with scrambled eggs and sausage.

We finished by touring the Midway Interfaith Creche exhibit.

(Thanks to Matthew for most of the pictures.)