Nativity

This past Sunday was another compellingly adorable Christmas pageant, presented by the shorter members of the congregation as a gift to the somewhat taller. I was a mess of laughter and tears the whole time.

Adele came in that morning in one of her Moods, declaring energetically and tearfully that she would NOT be in the Christmas pageant today. But all it took was me putting a sheep's hood on Spot, and pinning a white tail to his tail, and she was all giggles and amiability.

We were short a few sheep anyway.

With one of her church besties, Maddy

Miles got robed up for First King:





Once again, the kids destroyed me with their beauty.

Mary's recited Magnificat always ruins my eye makeup

For about 10 minutes, Jesus was a 5 month old played by the adorable Hazel. It made everyone's day. Even surly teen Joseph cracked a smile.


Adele was still unwilling to do much independently. She was adhered to me, so I had to accompany the shepherds up the aisle:

I tried to be as small and inconspicuous as possible

They made an extremely sweet picture, did they not?

Adele only stayed upright for a few minutes, though. Overcome either with self-consciousness or fatigue, she flopped over onto the stuffed sheep and remained thus for much of the rest of the pageant.

I was so focused on getting her up the aisle I neglected my little king, who ended up having an inconvenient robe malfunction just before his cue. 

Muttering "We have come to pay him homage" in unison

He did remember to kneel...

But he did NOT remember to leave his gift with the Christ Child. Oh well!

There was a feast of Christmas cookies afterwards (hooray, breakfast!) and the children romped fairly freely the rest of the morning.

Adele with two of her church besties.



I wrote a piece In Defense of Christmas Pageants last year, because I feel so strongly that Christmas Pageants are substantial and not just a meaningless, saccharine tradition. I enjoyed not directing this year's pageant, but I might have to dive back in next year if no one is interested. Few things are more delightful than little kids in costume doing their own storytelling.

I am now smack in the middle of 48 hours of solitude! Jon and the kids have gone to Maryland, so Jon can research and I can still go to work. The house hasn't been this clean in a while, and I enjoyed a quiet meal and lots of movies I got to choose, so it's working out on my end!

Tonight we light the solstice fire. Cross your fingers the firewood didn't get too wet in today's surprise rain. Bring it on, darkness and cold. We've got your number.