Holiday Rhythm

We’re into a holiday rhythm.

Me, I like a good tradition. Traditions solidify, enhance, protect, move things along steadily. I like it, being the obsessive, compulsive kind of person that I am.

When December rolls around I can count on a few things always taking place, starting with the decorating of the Christmas tree while listening to our favorite Christmas tunes. Every year this is our first Family Home Evening after Thanksgiving; then we have Mary Kate’s piano recital on the first Saturday of the month (she was fantastic this year), then the ward Christmas party, then we throw the neighborhood bonfire on the first Monday. If I’m lucky I’ll see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert during the third weekend (somehow I’ve figured out a way to get there every year), then we see the lights at Temple Square as a family, we read all our Christmas books, I make Italian meat balls….you get the idea. I love it.

I most love the traditions that allow for association with friends, neighbors, and family. Along with being obsessive, compulsive, I’m also a social creature. Put me in a room (or a driveway) full of people I love and I’m in heaven. I love what ward parties and neighborhood gatherings do for the holiday season.

Ward Christmas parties (well, ward parties in general) are possibly the tackiest parties ever thrown, with their hap-hazard decorations, amateur entertainment and Jello salads, but I love them! (Let it be known that I probably wouldn’t say that if I was in charge. Way to go Elayne!)

Our Luau themed party this year was super fun. (Incidentally, our party here in Utah wasn’t much different from the one that my parents attended in New Zealand. We had Polynesian dancers and Kahlua pork, so did they; evidence that the church is the same no matter where you go in the world). 

Mary Kate with my beautiful friend Michelle

Look at this spread of typical ward party potluck fare (Martha Stewart would turn over in her grave if she was in one). Mormons definitely know how to bring Jello salads in large, plastic bowls. Apparently we know how to consume large amounts of margarine from huge plastic tubs too.

I got suckered into getting up on the stage with the ladies and learning the Hula. Turns out I’m a natural. I think this means I might need to move to Hawaii, at least for January, February and March. (It’s hard to see, but check out little Hailey up front with her Hula skirt and coconut shells bra. She wore it with pride).

Mike got suckered into going up on stage to learn a Maori war dance. A ward party is nothing if it isn’t subjecting various ward members to humiliation for the entertainment of all. Some of the guys were pretty good though.

The highlight of the night (next to the Jello salad selection) was the nativity put on by the Primary children. The boys were so excited to be the shepherds. They were pretty decent up there too, except when Jonathan almost dropped his staff on the baby Jesus…

All the kids were reverent and sweet. I’m not ashamed to admit that I got a little weepy eyed. Just look at that little Mary holding swaddled baby Jesus who was played by baby Aiden, a foster baby (his mom was on drugs her whole pregnancy) who is being loved and adored by a sweet young couple in our ward that want a baby more than anything in the world and just might get this one for real. Crossed fingers.

It was a good party.

And the rhythm continues…

That Monday (because it’s now tradition) we put on our 5th or 6th (I lose count) annual neighborhood bonfire…

It was FREEZING COLD so only the bravest and most dedicated showed up this year. Luckily, Boy Scout Mike got the fire a-blazing and we had gallons of piping hot chocolate.

Mary Kate is demonstrating with her nose and cheeks, just how cold it was.

I love our neighborhood. We got some good donations for the Food Bank, visited and enjoy each other’s company, and ate plenty of sugary foods. A great time was had by all, but I felt a few waves of sadness this year. We’ve had so many good friends move out of our neighborhood over the last few years and I couldn’t help but think of those people and miss them tremendously. We miss you all! It’s not the same without you here.

Anyway, we’re full swing into the Christmas grove and loving it. Hope you are too.

Now we just need some snow!