Friday, December 27, 2013

Christmas at the Pothiers 2013

Christmas in the Pothier home is a joyous occasion.  We gather as many times as possible and usually in our home.  We hosted 7 Christmas events this month as well as Thanksgiving last month and each was a joy!
I started the tradition many years ago of having a Christmas Nana Sleepover with the grandchildren.  As the numbers have grown I have had to divide it into at least 3 different groups.  The teens now just gather for a Christmas Party.  Last year we played games like "minute to win it" and enjoyed sharing.  This year we went bowling, had pizza and played some new games.  Such fun to get the teens all to ourselves.


We also had one for the 8-12 year olds. That was more of the traditional Nana Sleepover.  We had some pizza, went to see a neighborhood train display - amazing, decorated Christmas cookies, went caroling to neighbors, made up skits with bags of props, played games, read a story under the Christmas tree, then watched a Christmas video to encourage sleep.  In the morning we enjoyed golden puffs. bacon and oranges.  These cousins LOVE to be together and any time I can help them accomplish that, they are happy 






The 5-7 year olds gather separately so I can have activities that are more age appropriate and focus my attention on them.  What a joy it is.  This year Andrew personally read (with expression), I am Special"  I read that to them every year and we discuss the concepts that each one is special and dearly loved by his Heavenly Father and they don't need to let others define them. I think it's such a great portrayal of an important concept.

We went to the park, the dollar store and played at the house after a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and juice...they all agreed on the menu.



We love having friends also.  The Carpenters from across the street joined us for a Family Home Evening.  Annie gave a great lesson on the birth of the Christ child, we played games and decorated Christmas trees.  We love these neighbors.



The season would not be complete without our traditional evening of talents and a wild cousins gift exchange game.  We enjoyed songs, bell choir, piano numbers, base clarinet, etc. It's fun to see the childrens' talents growing.  Carol Lynn played a violin piece.  Each child brought a gift to put in a pile in the middle of the floor then drew a number.  We started with "1" and worked our way to "24", choosing, stealing and rechoosing gifts.  Some of the thoughtful older children took gifts that younger ones were a little disappointed in so they could choose a new one..  I love to see their compassion and that they realize the gift is not as important as their little                                                                                       cousins.  Thank you.
Of course, food is involved in every gathering!
Christmas Eve was a sit down ham dinner.  Everyone contributed and it was DELICIOUS!  Later we enjoyed a reading of the Christmas story with carols interspersed, sung by all and accompanied by Carol Lynn on the violin and Sam on the piano.  We then shared our thoughts about how the Savior had blessed our lives throughout this past year.  We felt a special spirit as we listened to some, including grandchildren who had gained a greater understanding of the Savior's role and the Atonement in their lives.  We then knelt in prayer all together to thank our Heavenly Father for his tender mercies and love throughout the year.

Christmas Eve would not be complete without the yearly reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Papa, complete with whistles and all of us joining in on the last phrase, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" (That came after the prayer)  Then all disbursed to their homes in hope that Santa Claus would visit them                                                                                  that night.                                                      
Newest Pothier - Cannon Poelman Pothier