Peace on Earth

Last night Melinda and I went to see our friends Bob and Shirley sing at their church Christmas Eve program. We enjoyed hearing them sing and participating in the program. It was our first time to a Presbyterian service and we had a great time. I especially liked the orchestra and the band with bass guitar and drums.

The pastor gave a very moving sermon about Christ and having faith in Him. Later they dimmed the lights and we all held lit candles and sang. It was very festive and spiritual; a great way to spend Christmas Eve.

After we went to Arden and Lorraine's and we Lisette narrated the Christmas story while everyone participated as wise men, sheep, etc. They even included Samuel the Lamanite preaching about the birth of Christ and His coming. Samuel (played by Kevin) somehow miraculously missed being hit by scores of Nerf arrows. It was very nice to have a peaceful evening with family and remember the birth of Jesus. Saffron looked so cute holding a doll with Ian as Joseph at her side.

We got home a little late, but we kept our tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve. We all drew names and the kids especially enjoyed buying gifts for each other.

We all slept in until around 9:00 when Lisette kept opening and closing our door to utilize our squeaky hinges as an alarm clock. The kids we're very happy to see that the Christmas Monkey didn't pass up our house and that he enjoyed his jungle snack (even if he did leave a big mess).


After peeking into their stocking we made a nice breakfast of hot cocoa, pop-overs, and vegetarian sausages.

The kids enjoyed opening their presents, and I enjoyed using my new camera!

Miles

Ian with his sock monkey

Lisette

Saffron in her new holiday dress from Marsha

We spent the rest of the day up at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We had a lovely white Christmas the family, nice gifts, and good food.

Evolution of the Christmas Monkey

About six years ago we had a Christmas party at Annette's house. After the dinner we all participated in a little nativity play. Lisette was Mary and wore a blue towel around her head and held a little doll. Matthew was Joseph wearing a little bath robe. Miles was supposed to be a wise man, but he insisted on being a monkey instead. So we experienced the first nativity with a monkey; the Christmas Monkey.

I've always been pretty down on the whole Santa business. Once in college Amy and I had this big debate about the merits of the concept of Santa Claus. I can't remember much of our arguments, but I was definitely anti-Santa. My parents never really put much emphasis on Mr. Kringle when I was a kid anyway. So our kids have always known that Santa is false doctrine. I know, I know, I'm a Grinch, but I guess I'm their dad and so I guess their stuck with me.

Every year the legend of the Christmas Monkey expands at our house. First he was just a supporting character, but he has now effectively replaced Mr. Claus. Now he fills the stockings and leaves leaves monkey poop (usually Milk Duds or Whoppers) all over the floor.


Anyway, St. Nick has been replaced with St. Primate. Instead of leaving out a plate of cookies and milk, the kids leave out a dish of oranges and bananas. Instead of of reindeer and a sleigh, the Christmas Monkey comes in his silent helicopter and then swings down between the trees on his invisible vine wearing toe-socks and flip-flops.

So is the Christmas Monkey any better than Santa Claus? I don't know, but we sure have fun with it. The kids feel sad for all the kids who don't know about the Christmas Monkey and have to settle for Santa. We love our own unique family holiday tradition and jungle Christmas mythos.