We kicked off our Christmas Eve celebration with "an eve of Christmas Eve" journey to Danbury to watch The Nativity Story. It received high ratings from us all and we especially enjoyed the portrayal of Mary and Joseph as somewhat rustic ordinary folk who were distinguished simply through God's ordinance and their obedience. The road subsequently led to The Outback Steakhouse where Luke was especially excited to get some good meat and chocolate dessert.
Christmas Eve brought occassion for more family time. Some of us enjoyed hiking Stissing Mountain and Isaac helped Mom in the kitchen and made his very own apple pie from scratch. We continued our tradition of attending Clintondale Friends Church for a candlelight service. Several of the older children stayed up late to attend a majestic midnight mass celebration.