Christmas Eve 2018

As we have done in past years, we spent Christmas Eve at Mom's house, along with my siblings and their spouses and families (including 14 nieces and nephews and three dogs). With 27 people and three pets altogether, it was a house full of a lot of different things happening at once but also a fun and memorable night.

Earlier in the day, I went to the doctor with a sore throat and was diagnosed with strep. Merry Christmas from my immune system! So, that is why I appear in some of these photos wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of germs, especially to the little ones.

Following a delicious dinner, to which everyone contributed, we put on the annual family Christmas pageant, which involved inspirational quotes from general authorities, the singing of Christmas hymns, and a retelling of the Christmas story in Chapter 2 of the Gospel of St. Luke. Years ago, Biz had the foresight to record Dad reading this story, and it was played for the rest of us to listen along. It was comforting to hear his voice again.

Graham, as Joseph, and Kate, as Mary, got into a little custody dispute of the baby Jesus that you had to be there to fully appreciate (but we can also cut them some slack, as they're two and three years old, respectively). This is about the point at which the tug-o'-war began:

Next, we got to exchange and open our Christmas presents on our side of the family. Kira was very pleased with her Hatchimal (this is what the kids are calling it these days):

And Graham was excited about his new Batman PJs:

Anxious to get home and get to sleep ahead of Santa Claus's visit, Christian (helped out here by Jana) checked Santa's whereabouts on NORAD:

To all, a good night.