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!"

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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.

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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!"...