Candlelight Christmas

Continuing our efforts to give our family something a little more meaningful this Christmas, we went to the Candlelight Christmas at "This is the Place Heritage Park." I was really hoping to find a nice night to go so we wouldn't freeze to death, but this time of year every night is cold. Brandon had seen that it was supposed to snow last night, but I figured that was as good as any night. Sure enough, it started to snow shortly before we left. It was a very light snow, and I feel it really added to the atmosphere of the evening. Made it kind of magical. Each house (not every one, but several) had various activities to participate in -- crafts, storytelling. We are reading a book each evening about the life of the real St. Nicholas, and the very first story we heard was in that book. It was great to watch the looks on my children's faces as they recalled what we had just learned. I have found since homeschooling my children that these opportunities pop up quite frequently. It's amazing how the things we learn seem to be interwoven at just the right moments. And because everything I teach my children is done prayerfully, I know these are not coincidences.

The schoolhouse was converted into a dance hall. I got my husband to participate with me! While the girls sat and laughed at us. Sophie grabbed my camera to record it. Unfortunately she doesn't yet know how to orient things, and the lighting was poor (it was dark out), but her commentary is quite entertaining.

There was also a live nativity. In a real barn. With goats and sheep. They were a little distracting for the children, but it was a very special part of the evening. Our last activity was to take the train ride. That was the only time I got really cold all evening. Sophie's shoes (she wears slippers!) were soaked, however, so she was quite miserable there at the end. Perhaps next time she'll make a more thoughtful choice when picking out new shoes.