Last night was our ward Christmas party. It was like no other ward party that I'd ever been to. It was so special. There was no Santa, no presents. It was very spiritual. Everyone was to come dressed as a family would in the time of the birth of Jesus. I was surprised how many people actually dressed up. It just made it that much more special.
When we arrived, we had to pay our taxes. (The food is going to needy families) You then had to sign your family in and you were given a bag of money to help buy your dinner.
The gym was decorated as a Bethlehem city/market. There were booths for each part of the meal and only the parents could handle the money. There were a couple tables set up for people that couldn't sit on the floor but other than that, each family had to bring their own blanket. There also weren't utensils. This is one the families at the meat booth.
The pictures are not very good quality. I didn't even think to bring my camera so these are from my phone.
This is Bud getting some cheese and fruit.
He was also awarded the lucky task of being Joseph in the play. (
Doesn't he look happy??) When he was picked to be Joseph, he came home very excited telling us how he gets to be Joseph Smith at the ward party. (You think
you're teaching your kids every year about the birth of the Savior, but who knows.)
All in all, it was very spiritual. The primary children sang some songs and we joined in. When it was over, we
reverently gathered up our families and headed home. I loved it. It helped remind me what we are really supposed to be celebrating at this time of the year.