Our Christmas tree was a little more subdued this year but Christmas was no less magic. It's such a beautiful time of year and the kids really make it. They are so excited for what's to come and they really bring that joy to the season.
This year we cut down a tree at the Scout Christmas tree farm on a bit of a wet and windy day. And spent a afternoon together decorating the tree from top to bottom and made a cool time lapse of our efforts. There were lots of events to be enjoyed across the season. We participated in the light the world initiative where each day you read a scripture and sought to give service. We had great experiences as a family visiting with members of our ward and friends, dropping off cookies and singing carols. It was a great way to pay homage to the Savior and strive to emulate him. We had plenty of events and parties to attend and host. We had the ward Christmas party earlier in the month followed by Levi's work party, a cookie exchange party, Monica's crafting party, a visit to the temple to see the nativity statues, Finley's school Christmas concert, the youth Christmas party at our place as well as hosting the final destination of a youth activity in our garden shed ( a makeshift stable), and a dinner we put on for Levi's counselors in the Bishopric. I also went and saw the 100th anniversary of the Boston Christmas Tree sendoff. Lots of Christmas spirit. Levi and I also enjoyed attending Handel's Messiah performed by Symphony Nova Scotia which was absolutely moving and we got to see a member of our ward, Chris perform on the Oboe. It was a great reminder of the reason for the season and the tribute to our Saviour was beautiful. That was also the night that I surprised Levi with a miniature little Christmas stocking telling him that we are expecting another baby. Our best Christmas surprise for sure.
Christmas morning was lovely. We really limited the gifts this year and it was a good move. Finley got Lego and a remote control car and Primrose got a Moana doll, a princess dress plus their stocking and a stuffy they give to each other. I also decided at the last minute to put together a small dolls house for them both but really I could have saved it, what we had was enough. I got Levi a massage and a skiing lesson which he was very surprised and excited about and he bought me a tea pot, a little bow ring and a learn to draw book. We had the missionaries and our friends Camille and Robbie over for dinner which was lovely. I cooked a traditional North American meal with a turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings and we watched A Christmas Carol as a special treat for the missionaries as they were allowed to watch a movie.
For the next week we slept in and lazed about, a well deserved rest for Levi. We made the occasional trip to the movies and swimming pool as well. We spent New Years Eve with our friends the Speers who put on an amazing oil fondue spread and then we attempted to light some fireworks we have but it was too cold!
Christmas in this part of the world is very different to home but we have embraced it all. I've learnt to cook North American dishes, begun new traditions and my life will forever be changed by the experience of Christmas in this part of the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment