Christmas Eve

Mike had us try something a bit different this year. The kids have always enjoyed drawing names. But I have enjoyed less, the accumulation of 5-Below knick-knacks and toys. This time they still drew names, but then we did the following: We went to the library where they each had to find something they thought their person would enjoy reading. Then we went to Hobby Lobby and they each picked out a small craft for their person to do. Lastly, we went to Winco and they chose a treat from the bulk section for their person. It was a bit hectic getting to all of these place on Christmas Eve Day, but it was fun to have them give their gifts and for everyone to have a craft to do and a book to read until the evening started. 

Our evening was typical--Goldie and Wyatt joined us, and we had pizza and poor-man's sparkling cider (Sprite mixed with apple juice). Mette had little gifts she wanted to give everyone. As did Penny. (Mushroom lamps for everyone's new room.) And everything was as it generally is--wild and a little loud. Even as we prepared for the Nativity it felt as irreverent as could possibly be. 

But then Mike turned off every light in the house (as he started doing all those years ago when it seemed the only way to get so many little kids quiet) and slowly lit three, small candles while the older girls sang "Away in a Manger" to set the tone. And Penny narrated while Starling stared reverently at baby Jesus and we whispered where shepherds and wise men and angels and the sheep (Summer) should go. And Mike played his violin for us to sing songs throughout. 

And it was just as it should be. 

Which felt extra miraculous in contrast to the hubbub of the day (and even the entire evening leading up to it) and extra miraculous because things so rarely are exactly as they should be. 

And when we'd prayed, and put away costumes, and said goodnight to Goldie and Wyatt; Daisy and Mette somehow ended up at the keyboard playing and singing Christmas songs. And after a while Penny joined them, and then Summer, and at last even Starling. And Mike and I sat on the couch together--listening and gearing up to shoo everyone off to bed and to set up Christmas. And it felt, for a little while, that all was right in the whole world.

And I guess that's exactly what is so wonderful about Christmas and Christ having come--that somehow, eventually, everything in the whole world will be right. He's already made it certain. We felt it that night.