Away in a Manger

In the McBrayer household, Christmas Eve has almost always held more significance and tradition than Christmas Day has. Growing up, we never attended a Christmas Eve service at church - instead, we had our own "worship service" where each of us participated in some form or fashion...we read/wrote poems, sang songs, played Christmas songs on the piano, read through Luke 2, etc. As long as I can remember, we've had fondue (cheese, oil, or chocolate) and sparkling grape juice for dinner. And then we spend hours opening gifts - one person at a time, taking turns starting with the youngest.



This was the first year that our children were able to participate in the festivities. All of the grandchildren acted out the Christmas story as Uncle Dooney read through it. It was pretty priceless to see. Avery really got into her role as Mary - she plays shy but really likes the spot-light. And Griffin made a precious king! This year the kids didn't participate in fondue - hot oil and Griffin don't mix - so they had an early dinner of macaroni and jello jigglers! Avery, Addie, Greenlee and Patrick did stay up long enough to have their first chocolate fondue.

the whole crew in action

Kale (as baby Jesus) and an adoring King

Patrick (as Joseph) and Avery (as Mary)

Aeneas (a shepherd), Avery, Patrick, and our little angels Greenlee and Addie

enjoying chocolate fondue