last advent activities

Our last three advent activities were all during the same day, and were three of my favorites.  The first was calling my dad to read "Twas The Night Before Christmas", a holiday tradition from when I was a child. We Skyped with him and the boys loved hearing the story and the LOUD whistle from Grandpa Chuck. Thank you dad, for continuing on the tradition. The second thing we did that night was to read from Luke in the Bible and talk about the importance of the real meaning of Christmas. It was so sweet and the boys really do understand. I am so proud of them.  Then after the boys went to bed, we had the missionaries over to eat.  There was a ton of food and pie and ice cream for dessert. YUM! The missionaries helped us with our last advent activity.  Without going into detail, because I want it to remain anonymous and special, we surprised a family who would have otherwise had no toys for their 8 children with Christmas presents a la ding dong ditch.  It was late and the dark night was a perfect cover. Their gasps and thank you's shouted into the night made it feel magical.  Thank you to the Hutchins family and the Rogers family for also donating toys and books for this family.  This is the true Christmas spirit, giving, without any hesitations or expectations.  This will for sure be a new family tradition.