December - Nativities, etc.

 At the beginning of December we make a holiday bucket list, and attending a live nativity is always one of the top requests from the kids.  Last year we discovered the Night in Bethlehem and were so happy that it worked for us to go back again this year.  The nativity story is told with live actors and an angel choir (which is Ruby's very favorite part).  The focus is on our ability to approach and adore the Christ and I love the spirit that we experienced.  Spending a night in Bethlehem was the perfect way for us to start our holiday season.

In mid-December we were able to get tickets to the Alpine Living Nativity which is another favorite.  We went on a Friday night and it was COLD, but totally worth the frostbitten fingers and toes.  the kids absolutely loved the animals.  The camels were a favorite, but there were also goats and cows, and plenty of other creatures to keep us company.  

This camel was having a tough night, and did not like Tim in his space!

We were able to spend time in the village of Bethlehem and learn what life might have been like for those that were there at the time of the savior's birth.  After spending more time outside, watching the stars, we were able to enter the "stable" and see the holy family.  I love the little families that take the time to bring their sweet babies and give others the opportunity to focus on the baby Jesus.  Once again, this was such a sweet experience for our little family and definitely a December highlight.

Thanks to Tim's planning, we were able to take the kids to see A Christmas Carol at Hale Theater.  It was their first time seeing the play and to be honest, I was a little surprised at how much they loved it.  They completely got into the story of Scrooge and seemed to be really affected by the way that he was able to change his life.  It was also fun to see them so impressed with live theater.  The play landed on a super busy night, but I was so glad we were able to fit it into our schedule.  And yes, I'm fully aware that A Christmas Carol is not exactly a nativity, but seeing the play definitely helped us really feel the love and joy of the season.