Live Nativity

The week before Christmas we invited over a few families, parceled out parts to the children, and put our bump stage to good use.  

I've been in charge of putting together a Nativity Play since I was a teenager "directing" my little brothers and sisters in my Aunt Nancy's basement.  Clearly, I'm a slow learner, but after all those years of frantic, hap-hazard last-minute preparations, I finally planned ahead and wrote out a script (apparently, this is the year for script writing).  It made the performance fifty times smoother (let me know if you want a copy of the script and I'll email it to you).

We also had the kids watch the new Bible Video version of the Nativity story before they acted, so they would have a better foundation from which to begin.

Here our our cast of characters:

Aubree and Bryce reprised their roles from last year as Joseph and the Angel.  Aubree was anxious to have a speaking part. 

When the Wise Men (man) came, we had a toddler fill the role of Baby Jesus, which would have been great except he was more interested in pulling the original Baby Jesus doll out of the manger, which sent Mary and Joseph into a panic (note: you can't see the Wise Man in this picture because he took the admonition to "fall down and worship" seriously).

The whole watching and acting of the Nativity only took about 20 minutes total, then we had tons of treats while the kids played and played and played.  Good times, great tradition.

Nativity Scavenger Hunt Script

A few years ago, my amazing friend Juliana told me about a tradition she had for her family.  Every year on Christmas Eve, they would read the nativity story (as many families do), but to help her little ones maintain interest, she turned the story into a scavenger hunt.  I loved the idea and our family has since adopted it as one of our favorite Christmas traditions.  

This year I took the time to sit down and type out a script and I thought I'd share it for anyone else who might be interested in Juliana's fabulous idea.  Keep in mind, this is what works for our family, this year.  Next year's iteration might be vastly different.  That's what's nice about it, it can be altered to fit any age or interest level.  Add, adjust, or subtract activities as appropriate, change the clues, make it your own.

 

Christmas Eve Nativity Scavenger Hunt - 2011 Version

Opening Song: Picture Christmas

Introduction –

- Why do we celebrate Christmas? 

- On this night, Christmas Eve, we celebrate the night Jesus Christ was born over 2000 years ago.  There were many people who witnessed the events of that most wonderful night.

- Just like the Wise Men followed a star to find the baby Jesus, tonight we will follow clues to help us learn more about His miraculous birth.

***********

Open envelope 1 with first clue:

Clue 1) When you want to begin a journey, you usually begin by putting on your shoes and coat.  To begin our journey, look for your next clue where we keep our coats and shoes.

**********

Go to coat closet to find envelope 1, then head back up to living room.

Envelope 2 (on outside): Read Luke 1:26-31, 38

- Who do these scriptures tell us about? (Mary)

- Discuss Mary for a few moments. (She must have been very righteous to be chosen to be the mother of Jesus, and she was willing to do whatever Heavenly Father asked of her.)

Activity: Look at pictures depicting Mary.

Open Envelope for next clue:

Clue 2) Mary was the mother of Jesus.  You’ll find your next clue where the mother of Aubree, Bryce, and Thane sleeps.

*************

Go to bedroom & find Mary figurine & clue in envelope.  Return to living room to place figurine,

Envelope 3 (on outside): Read Luke 2:1, 3-5

- What does it mean to be “great with child?”

- Who was Joseph?

- How do you think Joseph took care of Mary and showed that he loved her on the long trip to Bethlehem and that night in the stable?

Activity: Sing “When Joseph Went to Bethlehem”

Open envelope for next clue:

Clue 3) When Mom and Dad pay our taxes every year, we don’t have to walk the places where we were born.  Instead, we use our computer to fill out forms and pay what is due.  You’ll find your next clue there.

***************

Go downstairs to computers to find Joseph figurine & envelope with next clue (take the Joseph figurine upstairs and set next to Mary).

Envelope 4 (on outside): Read Luke 2:6-7

- Discuss (importance and power in those few, short scriptures and what they mean to the world)

Activity: Draw a picture of what you think baby Jesus looked like wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Clue 4) Mary laid her new baby in a manger filled with straw.  To find your next clue, look where we lay the baby of our family.

*****************

Go to Thane’s crib to find the next envelope and Baby Jesus figurine (return to living room & put figurine on display).

Envelope 5 (on outside): Read Luke 2:8-20

- These scriptures tell us about two more groups of people who witnessed the birth of Christ.  Who were they? (angels and shepherds)

Activity: Tell what you would have said, done, or thought if you were one of the shepherds that night.

Clue 5) “Make haste,” like the shepherds, to where we keep our hymn books, and remember that, like the angels, we still sing praises to Jesus Christ.”

********************

Go to hymn books and find figurines of angel & shepherds.  Place on display.

Envelope 6 (on outside) : Read Matthew 2: 1-3, 5, 8-13

- How did the wise men know that Jesus was born? (they saw the star)

- How did they know what the star meant? (they studied their scriptures and understood the prophesies.)

- The wise men are a great example for us.  First, they show how important it is to read our scriptures, so we too can know how to find Jesus.  Second, they brought precious treasures as gifts to Him. 

-Can we bring Jesus gifts of gold or dolls or cookies?

-What kind of gifts can we bring him?

Activity: Write or draw a gift you can give to Jesus this next year.

(We’ve done this the last few years, and have kept the pages from previous years, so we’ll have a chance to personally review our progress.  We’ll add this year’s gifts to our envelope and review them next year.)

Open final envelope

Clue 6: Sing the Closing Song (He Sent His Son) and you’ll find the Wise Men waiting with our dessert.

Spoiled

Aubree only asked for one thing for Christmas- an American Girl doll.  She's been asking for months.  She loves all the books and spends hours pouring over the American Girl catalogs.  But, have you seen the price-tag on those dolls?!?

Recently I got an email from my Aunt Kat saying: "I have an authentic American Girl in her full outfit for a little blonde girl who happens to belong to you."

Say what?!  How did she know?!?

Last Saturday we had an opportunity to visit Aunt Kat.  I didn't tell Aubree about the awaiting surprise, and the look on her face when she opened her present was perfect.  "Really?!" she gushed, "for me?!"

After expressing her thanks, she spent the rest of the visit totally enraptured with her new friend, Kit.  To be honest, she's spent the last 5 days the same way.

Of course, the ever-generous Kat, provided gifts for Bryce and Thane as well.  And, given her choices, I'd say she could make a great second-career as a gift selector.

Though feeling ill, Bryce still mustered enthusiasm for a new car-hauler.  Once home and feeling better, he promptly filled up the hauler with his matchbox cars and has been zooming it around the house ever since.

Thane received a portable music player/lantern.  A toy that makes noise and light??  Could you find a better gift for a toddler?  

 After receiving such fabulous gifts, I figured we'd had a great Christmas and could be done.  Right?  

Yeah, the kids didn't buy it either.

Thank you (so much!), Aunt Kat!!

Feliz Navidad (Happy Nativity)

We're big on Christmas traditions.  We've realized (and are glad) that a lot of our traditions center around the Nativity.

Every year we make our own salt dough nativity set.  It's an activity we all look forward too, and it's amazing to see how much "artistic" progress our kids make in a year's time (I say kids, because I don't think Mark or I have gotten any better over the years).  

Last Christmas was the first year Aubree was able to try to make figures that actually looked semi-recognizable.  She carefully watched what I did, then deliberately copied my efforts.  This year?  She worked totally independently and her camel is arguably the best piece of the set (she also made the angel, the star, the wise man's presents [complete with bows on top], and the shepherd).

Bryce understood the concept and tried really hard to make a cow.  He got frustrated that his efforts did not materialize, and would smash his creations down to begin again. Finally, he decided he wanted to "help" me make Joseph, and was largely responsible for making Joseph's head covering.

Thane, because of his early bedtime, was asleep during our creative renderings.  However, tradition mandates that the baby of the family make baby Jesus.  So, with persistent reminders from Aubree and Bryce, I made sure that Thane had his moment to participate.

Aubree and Bryce were a little appalled at the lump that Thane produced, declaring, "that doesn't look like Baby Jesus!"

*********

A new tradition we started this year involved going on a "Journey to Bethlehem."  A friend told us of a 7th Day Adventist Church that puts on an elaborate, interactive "journey" each year before Christmas.  We got [free] tickets, bundled up, and headed out - unsure of what we might find.

Elaborate was an understatement!  It was an amazing 30 minute "walk" through the outskirts of Bethlehem, through the city gates, the city marketplace, and finally ending up at the lowly stable where we found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.

Along the way we met the Wise Men and their (real life) camels, were yelled at by Roman Soldiers, appeared before a gluttonous King Herod, danced at a Jewish wedding ceremony, were beckoned by a myriad of shopkeepers, were refused rooms at the too-full inns, and witnessed the angels bringing good tidings of great joy along with shepherds in their fields.

It was extremely well done.  I didn't know how the kids would react, especially at getting yelled at by the Roman Soldiers, but they loved it.  Aubree begged, "when Grandma and Grandpa come, can we go back and take them too?!"

Of course, it didn't hurt that they got hot apple cider and cookies at the end.

*******

Another nativity-related tradition we started last year is going to the LDS Christmas Creche Display.  Once again, we were in awe at the myriad nativity sets, from all cultures and circumstances, all showing the same pivotal moment in time.

I asked the kids to find their favorite creche.

Bryce liked the silhouettes on clear blocks.

Aubree had a hard time narrowing it down, but finally decided on a couple African sets.

We have a few more Nativity activities still planned, including a live nativity performance with friends and our annual Christmas Eve nativity scavenger hunt.  Love it!  Tis' the reason for the season.

PS All this Nativity reflection, reminds me of a time earlier this year (April, maybe?) when Aubree and Bryce spent weeks re-enacting scenes from Christ's early life.  That may sound well and good, but it didn't begin quite so well...
One day Bryce says to Aubree, "let's play Baby Jesus.  I'm King Herod and you're Mary." He then proceeded to chase Aubree around the house yelling, 'I'm going to kill baby Jesus!'"
After a few moments of shock (and a few more moments of laughter), I gently re-directed their play.  For the next few weeks they pretended they were Mary and Joseph running away from King Herod. "Quick, here comes King Herod! Let's flee to Egypt!"...

Proof Nobody's Perfect

What would you do if you discovered one of your children had been systematically ripping library books?

How would your response change if this child was six years old?

One afternoon, Aubree was reading and I noticed her chewing something.  "What are you eating?" I asked.  

After evading the question for a few moments, she finally admitted that she was chewing paper from her book.

She continued to admit that she'd been ripping pieces from a few pages in every book she reads.  Analysis of the big bag of books waiting to be taken back to the library confirmed her confession.  

"But, don't worry," she assured me, "I don't rip any words." Aaaauuuugggghhhh!

She did seem remorseful, and was even more so after a discussion of the gravity of her choices and of learning of her consequences.  

She went with Mark to the library to explain what she'd done, was grounded from all books for 2 days, and chapter books until she went to the library to talk to the librarians.  She'll also be completing a number of additional chores to earn money to donate to the library.  

*In a strange way, I'm glad that she made this relatively big mistake.  It provided an amazing learning experience.  For example, Aubree was terrified to go talk to the librarians.  She knew she'd messed up and was embarrassed and scared to face them.  

Fortuitously, we had just been reading about the Sons of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon.  They spent their youth trying to tear down the Church and lead many people to do great wickedness.  When they learned of the error of their ways, they repented, then spent years trying to repair the damage they'd done by admitting their mistakes and telling and teaching the truth.  They didn't always received a warm welcome in these endeavors and it took tremendous courage and humility.

It was a neat experience to be able to liken Aubree's situation to this story in the Book of Mormon.  It didn't take away her fears, but did help her feel more courageous and helped her better understand that the scriptures aren't just stories, but they actually have relevance for what we're dealing with today.

Before it was Winter...

... it was Fall and we did stuff.  

Some turkey crafts:

Some raking:

Some doctor visits (everyone's growing and healthy):

Some Thanksgiving festivities with extended family (I forgot to take pictures at this fun event, with the exception of Aubree's "makeover," courtesy of her older cousin, Gabby [on the right]):

Mark's Favorite Picture Books

Erin and I share a love for books.  While our tastes often diverge when it comes to adult/YA literature, we seem to agree more readily about what constitutes a great children's book.  I wholeheartedly endorse her selections, but here is a list of some of my other favorites:

 
Mark's Top Thirteen

1. A Porcupine Named Fluffy, by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

A hilarious story with great illustrations.  The combination of Lester and Munsinger is hard to beat.  Other recommendations (runner-ups) from their list of collaborations include Hooway for Wodney Wat, It Wasn't My Fault, and Listen Buddy.  [click here for more]

2. Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers, by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Joe Mathieu

Numeroff is perhaps best known for her alliteratively-titled If You Give a [Blank] a [Blank] books.  The above selection and its companion, Chimps Don't Wear Glasses, are equally as clever... but in my opinion the pictures are far more captivating.  [click here for more] 

3. McDuff and the Baby, by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Susan Jeffers

My favorite of Wells' McDuff series.  Again, I'm partial to the illustrations even more so than the written text.  Regardless of whether or not you happen to be a "dog person," you can't help but empathize with the bearded, four-legged protagonist in this story.  His subtle expressions seem to speak volumes.  [click here for more] 

4. Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash, by Sarah Weeks, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott

A fun, short read with simple, rhyming text, as you might anticipate from the title.  The ending is predictable, yet nonetheless satisfying.  [click here for more]

5. Stephanie's Ponytail, by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Aubree and I really get a kick out of this book.  I consider this one to be more representative of Robert Munsch's talent than the excessively sappy Love You Forever.  Runner-up favorites from his long list of publications include More Pies, Makeup Mess, and The Sand Castle Contest.  I enjoy the way Munsch and his characters take everything to the extreme.  [click here for more]

6. Sanji and the Baker, by Robin Tzannes, illustrated by Korky Paul

This book was first published in 1993, but somehow I've only known about it for a couple years.  It deserves much more recognition and acclaim that I think it has currently garnered.  It's essentially a modern fable, and the illustrations are exceptionally good.  I especially like Sanji's motley group of benefactors.  [click here for more]

7. The Bugliest Bug, by Carol Diggory Shields, illustrated by Scott Nash

This pick is the crème de la crème.  It's got everything: rhymes, wordplay, humor, suspense, heroism...etc.  Not to mention the pictures.  I highly recommend this book.  [click here for more]

8. The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash, by Trinka Hakes Noble, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

A genuine children's classic.  I love this book from start to finish.  How Jimmy managed to smuggle his boa onto the bus, we may never know-- that bag must have weighed a ton!  [click here for more]

9. The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, by David Saltzman

An allegory about the therapeutic power of laughter, made all the more poignant upon learning the biographical details of the author.  As a big fan of old-time radio and television, I personally appreciate the brief homage to Groucho Marx.  [click here for more]

10. The Mitten, by Jan Brett

Jan Brett makes my favorites list for her sheer artistic ability.  This particular masterpiece was adapted from a Ukrainian folktale.  As with many of her books, you have to pay close attention to the sidebar pictures or else you'll miss out on part of the fun.  [click here for more]

11. There's a Wocket in My Pocket, by Dr. Seuss

My favorite silly book, from the undisputed King of Silly Books.  This is one that I don't mind reading again and again.  In fact, I've picked it out myself so often for story time that I've practically got it memorized.

12. Watch Out For the Chicken Feet In Your Soup, by Tomie dePaola



Tomie dePaola is another incredibly talented and accomplished children's author.  Unbelievably, he's written and/or illustrated almost 250 different books.  With so many great works to choose from, I selected Chicken Feet because of the undeniable pleasure I derive from reading it aloud to Aubree and Bryce in my faux Italian grandmother accent.  [click here for more]

13. Why the Banana Split, by Rick Walton, illustrated by Jimmy Holder

An extremely "punny" book that is also chock-full of delightful pictures.  Probably even more entertaining for adults than for young kids.  [click here for more]

Enjoy!

Erin's Favorite Picture Books

Mark and I have been meaning to write this post for a very long time and finally sat down to pick out (and narrow down) our favorites (Mark's post is in the works).  Please note, this is not a wish-list or a not-so-subtle hint about what we want for Christmas since we already own most or all of these books.  But, if you're looking for great books (as we always are), here are my recommendations:

Erin's Top Thirteen (getting down to 10 was highly improbable) in alphabetical order:

1. Bear Stays Up For Christmas, by Karma Wilson

I love all the books in the "Bear" series, but this is my most favorite.  If there's any over-arching theme in my favorite book list, it's probably clever, simple, cadenced rhyming text.  And the "Bear" books are chalk full of exactly that!

2. Fancy Nancy, by Jane O'Conner

I avoided Fancy Nancy for a long time when Aubree was younger because it seemed so trendy and over-done.  Then I broke down and borrowed the book from the library.  And fell in love.  LOVE. Nancy is smart and independent and creative, and both Aubree and I couldn't get enough.

3. I Stink!, by Kate & Jim McMullan

I can't begin to explain how often lines from this book creep into our day-to-day life.  Truth be told, I didn't like this book at first.  Then I watched a Scholastic video and heard how it was "supposed" to be read.  It made all the difference (hint - read with a New York accent and attitude).  If you happen to like this book, don't miss a couple other similar books by the McMullans, including: I'm Mighty, and I'm Dirty.

4. Is Your Mama A Llama?, by Deborah Guarino

Now we're back to the clever rhyming text theme.  This is just a simple and fun read that I never get tired of.

5. Julius, The Baby of the World, by Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes was one of my favorite authors years before I even had kids.  The only problem I have with him is trying to choose just one of his books as my favorite.  If I hadn't limited my top 13 list to one submission per author (my own silly rule), at least 2 other Kevin Henkes books would have also been on the list (Lily's Purple Plastic Purse and Chrysanthemum). (...do you like how I'm totally breaking my own rule?)

6. Knuffle Bunny, by Mo Willems

Mo Willems is another author who just can't seem to go wrong.  I love all his books.  Elephant and Piggie?  Pigeon?  Fabulous!  But, Knuffle Bunny is so clever.  My favorite line? "She went boneless."  If you've ever tried to pick up a tantrumming toddler, you totally get this!

7. No, David, by David Shannon

I really shouldn't love this book.  It goes against most things I learned as a school psychologist about positive parenting, as well as every instinct that says, "don't give your kids ideas!"  But, BUT, my kids love it so much and so do I.  Bryce had it memorized from the earliest age and we read it over and over and over and I never got sick of it. That's saying something!  

8. Olivia, by Ian Falconer

Classic.  Ian Falconer can tell volumes of information with the sparsest amount of text.  I love examples of smart, problem-solving pigs kids.  I don't like the "new" Olivia books that are no longer written by Ian Falconer.  

9. Parts, by Tedd Arnold

Trust me...it's worth reading (and reading again).

10. Some Dogs Do, by Jez Alborough

I think this is the perfect picture book.  Bright, fun pictures, fun rhyming text (told you...), and teaches a lesson without being too overt.

11. Thank You Mr. Falker, by Patricia Polacco

If you're looking for amazing books for slightly older kids (5+), you must get to know Patricia Polacco. She's a prolific author and all her books are fabulous.  Thank you, Mr. Falker is autobiographical and amazing.

12. The Seven Silly Eaters, by Mary Ann Hoberman

A very silly and wonderful book.  It's not often you run into books with large families, and this one is so great.  As you read (or on future readings) take some time to look carefully at the illustrations - they're so fun.

13. Where Did that Baby Come From?, Debi Gliori

Looking for a "new baby is coming to our house" book?  This one is very silly (and rhyming) and clever.  I like a lot of Debi Gliori books, but I've found that I love 90% of each book.  The final pages always disappoint me.

As always, if you have favorites please (pretty please) feel free to share.  And Mark's post will be up in the next couple days...