Every other year, the kids go with their other parents to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Well, last year being our first as a family, we worked it out so we could have all three boys together Christmas Eve. I'm so glad we did that. Well, we've tried to brace ourselves for this Christmas Eve. . . without the kids. We'll really miss them. We love our boys so much and Christmas is just so fun when enjoyed in the presence of children. Just the same, this year will be great, I'm sure.
Tonight, we did our family home evening activity first. We went caroling to a couple of neighbor's homes and delivered our little gifts. It was so fun to brave the cold, sing our guts out, and smile til' our cheeks hurt. We came home, ate dinner, and quickly prepared for the main event. Will was in charge of the lesson this week, and since he was "too tired to walk" let alone talk, I told him I'd help him out. And I got a wonderful idea. Since we won't be together Christmas Eve, we could go through our little traditions, tonight! I got all the stuff together and hoped that it would somehow work out.
We read the (spontaneously abridged version of the) Nativity, we sang the Hymns (that the kids knew) that accompanied each part of the story. We got out our little figurines and set them on the bench. We turned down the lights and lit Ben's candle. He bore his testimony. When he was done, Alfonso lit his candle from the flame of Ben's. Alfonso bore his testimony and each of us followed, until all five candles were lit. It made my eyes wet. I looked around at each face and felt deep in my heart that this is the perfect Christmas Eve. 'Perfect' in that I could NOT be happier.
Who cares if it's three days early? This was the way to celebrate, with the people I love so dearly, in the ways that remember our Savior. I told the boys to look at the candles and see the light that they had created. And just as the Savior is the light of the world, He shares that light with us, and we in turn, share it with each other. I saw that light in their eyes tonight. It was beautiful.
After we finished we hopped over to the table to drink some hot chocolate while Alfonso read, "The Night Before Christmas" . . . it was (once again) 'perfect.' Alfonso shared a tradition that his mom initiates each year. Without any planning at all, each Christmas Eve, she will talk about her loved ones who have passed on, recalling fun memories, habits, and traits. Then, usually with teary eyes, she'll point out that it is through Christ that she will see these wonderful people again. It sounded like a lovely tradition so we each took a moment and went around the table. Grandma Lefler was mentioned. Ben's grandpas. Alfonso's sweet grandma. Chase Webster Allen. We reminded the kids of the important part Christ plays in our future relationships with those who have moved on. A good tradition.
Well, now the children are nestled all snug in their beds with an extra dose of sugar jumping round' in their heads. And even though they have school tomorrow and over the course of the week, will be scattered across the wasatch front, we'll be reunited again. We WILL be together again. And because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we WILL be together FOREVER. How I love him for it! This Christmas share your light in honor of the one who gave it to you. Have a Merry Merry Christmas!!!
Well after his brothers had gone to bed, this little guy was "too tired" to brush his teeth, yet somehow managed to muster a signature smile. . .
My "little" brother Nick is getting married this weekend and I am SOOO happy for him and his new bride, Carrie. They are both exceptional people and I am thrilled that they have found each other! I wish you both THE BEST! 
