On Christmas Eve we read the Christmas Story with a little twist. I got this idea from the Bibelheimer's. They're a wonderful family that I lived with my senior year of high school. I'm forever indebted to them and their generosity. They do this every year with their family and I loved it so much we do it now that we have a family of our own.
We start with an empty manger. Everyone takes a piece of the nativity and holds it while we read. When your person or animal is mentioned in the story you place it in the stable.
Grammy and Abby were first with Mary and Joseph
Then Nana next with the donkey
Grampy had the sheep and Jack had one of the kings. Eric and I had the other 2 kings and the scene was complete.
We read from a children's picture book. This book will change as the kids get older and will eventually be straight from the Bible.
I love that our nativity is kid friendly. Abby loved to play with baby Jesus and asked to bring him places often. They also have a Little People nativity that they both played with all season long. Believing in Santa is magical but believing in Jesus is a life long journey of faith, hope and love.
i love this tradition! i remember you telling me about it a long time ago. so neat that you are now doing it with your family. (:
ReplyDelete